COMMITTEE ON COUNTY OFFICERS AND DEPARTMENTS
Joint with the COMMITTEES ON HEALTH, TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
MINUTES: Monday, March 28, 2005 at 2 p.m.
The regular meeting of the Committee on County Officers & Departments was called to order at 2 p.m., by Legislator Pinto; the Committee on Technology by Legislator Rogowsky (on behalf of Legislator LaMotte), and the Committee on Community Affairs by Legislator Myers.
COD MEMBERS: Chair: Vito Pinto. Members: Astorino, Rogowsky, Spreckman, Stewart-Cousins. Staff: Emilia.
TECHNOLOGY MEMBERS: Chair: Rogowsky (Acting Chair). Members: Pinto.
LEGISLATION MEMBERS: Chair: Martin Rogowsky. Members: Pinto, Bronz, Stewart-Cousins, Oros, Myers
HEALTH MEMBERS: Chair: Andrea Stewart-Cousins; Legislators Alvarado, Oros,
COMMUNITY AFFAIRS MEMBERS: Chair: Myers. Members: Astorino, Bronz, Alvarado. Staff: Dodds
IN ATTENDANCE: Abinanti. BOL: Davis, DeSoye. GUESTS: CE: Kevin Ryan, Andrew Neuman, Bill Randolph. LAW: Brendan McGrath, Liz Cippolo. LWV: Rosemary McLaughlin, Joy Rosenzweig. CVI: Bo Lappare, Allegra Dengler, Barbara Ehrentreu, Nicola Coddington, Lorraine Valenti, Chris Rayling.
Legislation Committee Chair Rogowsky called the meeting of Legislation to order at 2:20 p.m., and as the Acting Chair of Technology for Legislator LaMotte, as well as Legislator Pinto for the COD Committee; Legislator Myers for the Community Affairs committee and Legislator Stewart-Cousins for the Health committee.
Chair Rogowsky introduced Katharine MacLaughlin from Assemblywoman Sandy Galef’s office and Bo Lappare of the Citizens for Voting Integrity advocacy group.
Submitted by: Emilia Vita
APPROVED: 7/11/05; ASC/MR; 5-0
MINUTES
COMMITTEE ON COUNTY OFFICERS & DEPARTMENTS
JOINT WITH COMMITTEES ON HEALTH/TECHNOLOGY/COMMUNITY AFFAIRS/LEGISLATION
MONDAY, MARCH 28, 2005 AT 2 P.M.
PAGE 2
Katharine MacLaughlin made a presentation on Assemblywoman Galef’s legislation in support of the optical scan balloting system.
Chair Rogowsky began discussions by inquiring about increasing the legal size of the election district in order to reduce the number of machines needed. A brief discussion ensued on the merits of consolidation of the election districts.
Chair Rogowsky asked about the period in which this legislation will be passed through Albany. Katharine McLaughlin replied that the goal was to have it done by the 2006 primary.
Chair Rogowsky expressed his concern about the manufacturers showing only the more expensive machines.
Legislator Astorino inquired about how manipulation of the machines would be prevented. Bo Leppare responded that the optical scanners are simpler than full electronic voting but it is not tamper-proof. There would have to be chain of custody procedures in order to prevent tampering with the software. Further, where any problems can be taken care of on the spot a precinct optical scanner.
Chairwoman Myers asked what the role of poll workers would be with these new machines. Mr. Lapare responded that the signing in and privacy situation would be the same; however there would be a need for a tabulation judge and a ballot judge for a case of over voting.
Legislator Stewart-Cousins brought up the point that the voter may be unsure because they have to leave their vote with a poll worker. Katharine McLaughlin noted that that is not the procedure, and the wording within the legislation is incorrect. Following the correct procedure, the voter actually places their ballot in the box themselves.
Legislator Alvarado asked if a voter verified paper trail was required and if so is it in the legislation. Bo responded that it is required and it is in the legislation. There was then a brief discussion on the environmental impact of using so much more paper for elections.
Legislator Bronz inquired about the time factor of voting and possibly increasing the time for filling out the ballots. According to the current studies, the time is not a problem for the optical scanner.
Legislator Pinto brought up concerns regarding completing paper ballots in pencil to prevent fraud, and was it possible to trace a ballot to a particular voter. He also inquired how the machines handle a split district vote. Another concern brought up by Legislator Pinto was security of absentee ballots and the security of paper ballots.
MINUTES
COMMITTEE ON COUNTY OFFICERS & DEPARTMENTS
JOINT WITH COMMITTEES ON HEALTH/TECHNOLOGY/COMMUNITY AFFAIRS/LEGISLATION
MONDAY, MARCH 28, 2005 AT 2 P.M.
PAGE 3
Katharine McLaughlin asked the board to consider resolutions in support of the optical scanner system rather than computerized only.
Legislator Abinanti inquired about improving lever machines to allow them to be able to interface with a computer to facilitate easier counting.
Motion to adjourn Legislation by legislator Abinanti and seconded by legislator Stewart-Cousins. Legislation adjourned 3:07
On the motion of Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator Rogowsky, the COD Committee recessed at 3:10 p.m. will reconvene at 4 p.m. with the Committees on Technology and Community Affairs.
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