WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH NY VOTING MACHINES?
Experts say the ExpressVote XL will increase wait times & costs, while decreasing security
New York elections are at a dangerous crossroads. A new voting machine called the ExpressVote XL has been approved for use in New York state. Experts call it a "bad" voting machine that could radically change the way we vote. They say it will undermine security and confidence, while increasing wait times and costs.
The ExpressVote XL is an ATM-style touchscreen system that does not allow voters to use a pen and paper to vote. The ballots look completely different from pen and paper ballots. NY statutes do not allow ballots that look different to be used at the same polling place, so, no pen and paper voting will be permitted wherever the ExpressVote XL is used. This could include every single polling place in any county that uses it. New York City Board of Elections already asked for permission to use it.
ALBANY TIMES UNION EDITORIAL AGAINST THE EXPRESSVOTE XL
NY elections could determine the balance of power in the House of Representatives in 2024, and how we vote matters.
NY DAILY NEWS EDITORIAL AGAINST THE EXPRESSVOTE XL
Remarkably, progressives, civil rights leaders, conservative advocates and security experts all agree it is best that NY reject the ExpressVote XL. New York has been a leader in election security and this is no time to change that. Yet on 8/2/23 the NY State Board of Elections approved the use of the ExpressVote XL voting machine for New York.
The vendor ES&S fought hard to get approved in New York. The voting machine is estimated to be selling for 10,000 per machine, around double the cost of current systems. ES&S stands to make massive profits from its sale. A representative of their lobbying firm has even engaged in behavior that is possibly illegal.
CITY & STATE NY ON THE EXPRESSVOTE XL - FEATURES SMART ELECTIONS
NY DAILY NEWS AFTER APPROVAL OF THE EXPRESSVOTE XL - QUOTES SMART ELECTIONS
Editorial: No vote of confidence on touchpad voting system
Albany Times Union
Aug. 4, 2023
Times Union Editorial Board
In a split decision, the state Board of Elections approves controversial voting machines. The
last thing we need right now is more doubt over election processes.
*****
"At a time when the very integrity of our elections is in doubt in
the minds of so many Americans, the state Board of Elections
made the mind-boggling decision to allow controversial voting
machines to be used in New York."
"It’s one thing to push a button when the only thing at stake is whether you get a burger or a fish sandwich. It’s quite another when the leadership of your community, your state or your nation is on the line. If even elections commissioners don’t have unanimous faith in this change, how can voters?"
Photo credit: Michael P. Farrell / Times Union archives