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.
While there s room to debate which system is best, and every county must reserve the right to choose, it s obvious that the punch cards must go. Better alternatives are available. We urge Illinois lawmakers to approve legislation that will convince local election officials to replace punch-card ballots with a better system. E-mail this story to a friend. Print text version.