When a voter pushes an area next to a candidate's name, the area lights up. If the voter then picks another name, the first area goes dark and the second lights up. When the voter has made all his selections, he pushes a final area to record the vote. Fairfax County and Arlington use similar methods. Even the old-style, lever machines still used in Prince William and Prince George's counties beat Florida's punch cards, officials say.
Voters walk into a booth and pull levers next to each candidates name.
The machine does not allow them to pull more than one lever per race. They're cumbersome, they're heavy, and they're ugly. Wouldn't think of using them, Washington area officials said. Moreover, if anyone ever demanded a recount as part of a national race, officials said, it is unlikely it would devolve into the kind of drama unfolding in Florida. Maryland and the District give a losing candidate a right to a recount for any reason.