In the past five years, the number of registered voters in the county has increased 28 percent, from 203,000 to 260,000, but the money to hold elections hasn't grown proportionately. Still, there are problems. Finally on Friday, election officials had to relocate the recounting operation to other county offices across the street. Though Lowe insists funding isn't an issue in Volusia, the Election Center's Lewis says money is a particular problem in poorer areas and those experiencing large growth, where infrastructure and police get priority over elections. Training also seems to be an issue for Volusia's 2,000 poll workers.
Technology is also a problem.
The glitch was soon fixed. Also, Volusia secures ballots in blue canvas tote bags, sealed with tape that keeps popping off. Its fancy system also has a problem accepting damaged absentee ballots. But both sides here blame human error, and particularly Lowe. Even McDermott, admired by Republicans and Democrats, seems overwhelmed as chairman of the elections canvassing board.