Voters have more than a month before the May 16 primary election to become acclimated with
Fayette County's new electronic voting system, according to a county official.
Angela Zimmerlink, chairwoman of the Board of Supervisors, said the public can check out the system on the county's Web
site, www.co.fayette.pa.us.
"Fayette County will implement a voter education program in the upcoming weeks," she said, "and in the meantime, I linked
two 'How To Vote' videos using the eSlate voting system for the voters of Fayette County."
There also is a printable version of the instructions on the site accompanied by pictures...
Although originally designed for voters with disabilities, the portable eSlate system will be implemented by Fayette County
for all voters. The device includes a set of control buttons and a wheel-style knob used to control directives on a monitor.
Each voter will receive a four-digit access code at the time of voting, which will be entered into the eSlate device. Ballot
choices will then appear on the monitor, and the voter will highlight choices by turning the knob and pressing the "enter"
button.
Once choices are entered, a "ballot summary page" will appear. At this point, voters may either change choices previously
entered or press the "cast ballot" button to end the process.
County officials are expected to buy 278 voting machines at a cost of $2,500 each along with 105 judge booth controllers
for use at the 105 precincts. The equipment has a life expectancy of 25 to 27 years and does not require special storage conditions,
said Molly Terry, a regional sales manager for Hart.
Officials expect the $1.1 million in federal grants the county received to cover much the expense...
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