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Florida Elections
Plastic - and Paper?
New electronic voting machines aren't perfect, and some people around Florida haven't given up on requiring a paper trail as part of the voting process.
EQUIPPED
Florida uses two types of computerized voting equipment:
? Optical scan systems: Voters mark a paper ballot, which is then fed into an electronic scanner that records the votes and stores the ballot.
? Direct recording electronic devices (DREs): Voters cast their ballots electronically by marking their choices on a computerized touch screen. Most DRE systems also have an audio headset feature for blind voters, which allows them to vote without assistance, as federally mandated. Each machine stores votes on a memory card; data are later transferred to a central tabulator, which counts all the votes.
 Election Systems & Software |
 Sequoia Voting Systems |
MACHINES
Three voting machine vendors are certified by the state:
? Diebold Election Systems: The Texas-based subsidiary of an Ohio company supplies equipment for 31 counties, including Leon, Brevard and St. Lucie.
? Election Systems & Software: Headquartered in Omaha, Neb., ES&S systems are used by 32 counties, including Miami-Dade, Broward, Sarasota and Collier.
? Sequoia Voting Systems: The Oakland, Calif., company manufactures voting equipment used in four Florida counties: Hillsborough, Palm Beach, Pinellas and Indian River.
On the web: To find out which system your county uses, check out http://election.dos.state.fl.us/votemeth/systems/countysys.asp
Business Beat - Week of May 3rd
