At the County Commissioners meeting Wednesday, after raising taxes, the issue came up concerning the purchase of new voting machines. Having followed this continuing saga for months it’s clear the commissioners don’t want to make a mistake and send the county into years of confusion and massive tax increases to support these high-tech monsters.

The problem is there seems to be an urgent rush to select and install these new voting machines before next year’s primary. Gauging our commissioners responses, it also seems neither our State or Federal leaders have the time to provide clear guidance on what machines can be bought or how to be really compliant with the HAVA Act. It seems all of our government agencies are unclear yet it’s our vote and taxes to support these choices that are at risk, this is a no win position.

At the meeting the former County Commissioners appealed to the current members to slow down and wait till better guidance is available. A few minutes later a bombshell took everyone by surprise when it was suggested that the commissioners are violating the State Constituent. It was presented that the constituent requires the question to change voting machines be given to the voters for approval prior to any action being taken. Does the Federal Act trump the State Constituent, now what? 

It’s time to slow the process down and take a serious look at the “need” to rush to purchase hardware. When I spoke to a voting machine vendor last month at the “secret” public demonstration he laughed when we discussed delivery in time for next year’s primary. If he’s laughing today let’s not be crying tomorrow and slow this boat down before it is too late.

Wayne Kenton

New Britain Borough