COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION JOINT WITH CA, HEALTH, COD & TECHNOLOGY
MINUTES: March 28, 2005 DRAFT
MEMBERS: Legislation Chair: Martin Rogowsky; Legislators: Pinto, Bronz, Stewart-Cousins, Oros, Myers
Health: Chair: Andrea Stewart-Cousins; Legislators Alvarado, Oros
Community Affairs: Chair: Judy Myers; Legislators: Alvarado, Astorino, Bronz
COD: Chair: Vito Pinto; Legislators: Astorino, Stewart Cousins, Spreckman, Rogowsky
Technology: Acting Chair Martin Rogowsky; Legislators: Pinto
IN ATTENDANCE\IN INNNNNNIUIN BOL: Michael Davis, Betsy Desoye, Barbara Dodds; CE: Kevin Ryan, Andrew Neuman, Bill Randolph Law: Brendan McGrath, Liz Cippolo, LWVW: Rosemary McLaughlin, Joy Rosenzweig; CVI: Bo Lappare, Allegra Dengler, Barbara Ehrentreu, Nicola Coddington, Lorraine Valenti, Chris Rayling
Chair Rogowsky Called the meeting of Legislation to order at 1:25 P.M.
Chair Rogowsky introduced Andrew Neuman from the office of the County Executive to present the changes made to the legislation on crystal methamphetamine pre-cursor products.
After a brief presentation to the committee Legislator Pinto Made a motion to sign out the legislation for all purposes. A second was made by legislator Oros. The motion passed 5-0.
Chair Rogowsky began discussions on setting a public hearing date on the committee’s legislation regarding identity theft. May 9th was set by the committee as the hearing date.
Legislation committee recess called at 1:50
Legislation committee re-called into session 2:20
Chair Rogowsky called the Committee on Technology called to order
Chair Pinto Called the COD Committee to order
Chairwoman Myers called Committee on Community Affairs to order
Chair Rogowsky introduced Kathrine MacLaughlin from Assemblywoman Sandy Galef’s office and Bo Lappare of the Citizens for Voting Integrity advocacy group.
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 time frame 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 Rogwosky 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 it is a precinct optical scanner where any problems can be taken care of on the spot.
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.
Legslator 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.
Legslator Pinto brought up concerns regarding completing paper ballots in pencil so as 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 for absentee ballots and how paper ballots will be handled for security purposes.
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
Motion to adjourn COD by legislator Pinto and seconded by Legislator Rogowsky. COD adjourned 3:08
Motion to adjourn Technology by legislator Rogowsky and seconded by legislator Abinanti. Technology adjourned 3:09
Motion to adjourn Community Affairs by legislator Myers and seconded by legislator Pinto. Community Affairs adjourned 3:10
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