New voting machines get mixed reactions

Many Valley Streamers were speaking about the new electronic voting machines, which made their debut in the Sept. 14 primary election. Though some said the machines were an upgrade, others gave them a failing grade.

John DeGrace, Republican commissioner of the Nassau County Board of Elections:

“Because of the new machines, we had some glitches, but the primary election turned out well,” he said. “We anticipate very few problems in the upcoming election in November.”

Harry Best, president of Valley Stream AARP Chapter:

“If something goes wrong, can they check the machines? I am worried they do not have a back-up system. I am very skeptical about the new equipment.” Best noted that though he voted in the primary, he is somewhat disappointed with the new machines.

Ericka Bolte, Valley Stream resident:

Found the machines to be a “piece of cake” on primary day. “It is not really anything different than the scantrons that we used for tests throughout high school and college. Maybe I feel so positive about the experience because I was one of the people who went to see the test machines at Roosevelt Field Mall.” She noted that the only downfall of the new machines is if you do not fill out the ballot correctly, you have to start over again.

Jacques Alexandre, Valley Stream resident:

“The process is more time consuming and it is harder.”

Joanne Antun, Acting Mayor:

“Election Day in November will be a true test of the machines,” she said. “Some voters are accustomed to encounter delays when they sign in and wait on line to access voting booths. People wait on line to sign in to receive ballot, they wait on line for the privacy booth to mark vote and they wait on line to insert their ballot into the scanners. There is a potential for problems with how a ballot is cast if it is rejected, which the voter must start the process again. Let’s see what November brings — hopefully we won’t skip a beat.”

Vinny Ang, Valley Stream Village Clerk:

“I thought the machines were great,” he said. “But I heard mixed comments — some said they were slower and some said they were good. The machines seems to be efficient. It is easier to get results. There were a couple of glitches, but the election went smoothly.”

Learning the new machines

At a Monday voting machine demonstration at Henry Waldinger Library, Rosemary and John Murphy were using the machines for the first time. Rosemary said the machines seemed promising. John added that it might be easier to manipulate these electronic machines as compared to the old one, but finds paper ballots to be a better choice.

Martina Vertucci also came to the demonstration at the library. “The machine does not seem difficult,” she said, “but there does not seem to be much privacy to vote.”