The obvious obstacles to replacement are determining what system to use and how to pay for it. The Illinois Legislature has wrestled with the issue throughout the session, but proposals have stalled. It would cover the costs of replacing punch-card systems, allowing each county to select a replacement, although local governments would not be forced to change. Another bill that s been discussed would pay for half the counties replacement expense. Two voting systems have drawn the most support during the debate.
Many lawmakers prefer the optical scanning system.
Voters mark a paper ballot with a pencil, and it s then read by the scanner, which also detects errors and gives voters a chance to correct them. This method has a high rate of accuracy and leaves a paper trail for verification. It s also the preferred method in most of Iowa, which has a history of election integrity and no longer uses punch cards. The Illinois Association of County Clerks and Recorders favor a higher-tech system they say is even simpler than optical scanners. Voters can touch a computer screen to record their choices.