Wednesday, February 01, 2006
In preparation for the March primary, Chicago and suburban Cook County voters will get a first-hand look at new voting equipment during a Voter Demonstration Day on Saturday, Feb. 11.
Cook County Clerk David Orr’s office and the Chicago Board of Elections Commissioners will deploy optical scan ballots and touch-screen machines to various shopping malls, grocery stores and libraries throughout the city and suburbs (see attached listings).
Voters can test out the new equipment from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at any location. Everyone is eligible to cast a test ballot.
“This demonstration is an excellent opportunity for voters to familiarize themselves with the new voting equipment before Election Day,” Orr said. “We will have staff at each site to answer questions and provide assistance if voters need help.”
Langdon D. Neal, chairman of the Chicago Election Board, emphasized that both voting systems are voter friendly.
“It should be a simple transition for voters,” he said. “The systems are actually easier to use than the old punch cards.”
Beginning in the March 21 primary election, Cook County voters will no longer use punch cards to cast ballots. Voters will have a choice of voting a paper optical scan ballot, which is similar to a standardized test, or using an electronic touch-screen machine, which is similar to an ATM machine and is intended for voters with disabilities.
The election authorities purchased the voting equipment last year using federal dollars authorized by the Help America Vote Act (HAVA).
Both systems will allow voters to make selections for their favorite in a particular category. Contests include: White Sox or Cubs?; Thick or thin crust?; Chicago landmarks; and famous personalities.
Staff will also encourage voters to fill out a survey to provide input or suggest changes.
View the list of locations here /pdf/demo day locations.pdf