Given the embarrasment of last year's elections and the continuing run of Florida jokes, there can be no better time to gain approval of an expenditure. The lobbyists are lining up already with handy little touch screens and counting machines designed to help us better determine who wins. Three touch screen companies have filed the requisite paperwork with Secretary of State Katherine Harris seeking approval of the latest technology. Fixing our election problem is generating a new cottage industry. The thorniest question may be whether to lease equipment for 2002 for the 41 counties that need it, or buy stuff that will last longer.
Some election officials believe leasing is the way to go in the short run.
Almost everyone agrees that we should all be voting a uniform ballot on similar equipment. Only then will all Florida voters have equal opportunities to vote. Once the state and county election officials do their part, the rest is up to us. St. Petersburg Times.