***For Immediate Release***                     Contacts:        Ross Goldstein

                                                                                                Donna Duncan

                                                                                                410-269-2840

                                                                       

Electronic Poll Books Approved for Use in General Election

 

Test Results and Independent Review Indicate Solutions Work

 

October 5, 2006 --  Linda Lamone, Maryland State Administrator of Elections, announced this afternoon that Maryland would proceed to use electronic poll books in the November 7^th general elections.  Her statement follows: 

 

“After rigorous review and testing of the proposed solutions offered by Diebold Election Systems, we are satisfied that the issues experienced with the electronic poll books in our primary election have been resolved satisfactorily.  The solutions have been tested extensively, reviewed by an independent quality assurance expert, and all of the issues identified by the State Board of Elections have been successfully addressed.  In accordance with Maryland law, we will proceed with the use of this system to check-in voters during the general elections.

 

“The systemic issue with rebooting that was experienced in nearly every polling place has now been eliminated and testing over a full week has not generated any recurrence of that issue.  The other incidents that occurred sporadically, related to card encoding and maintenance of synchronicity and connectivity, have also been resolved.  In particular, the solutions offered to maintain synchronicity have now been demonstrated to work with a mouse, with touch pad entry, and with both in combination.

 

“The advantages of the electronic poll book voter check-in system – speed, accuracy, reliability, accountability, and rapid post-election updating of voter rolls – are going to help elections officials all across the state as we strive to run a smooth general election.  Therefore, I am directing that Diebold install the solutions on every poll book, and to ensure that no further glitches occur. I am also requiring that they continue to conduct load testing to be sure that we are ready for even the heaviest turnout in November.

 

“Finally, I am encouraging every Marylander who is interested in helping achieve a secure and smooth election and who might be available to serve as an election judge to contact their local board of elections immediately.  And I urge all voters to remember to cast their vote on November 7^th.  

 

###