We Need To Keep Hybrid Voting Machines Out Of NY

Now that the New York Budget is settled, we need to be sure that our Representatives know how important it is that the Hybrid Voting Machine Ban Bill (A1115), a 2022 Legislative Priority, passes both Houses of the Legislature as soon as possible. The Bill will Ban Insecure Hybrid or “all-in-one” Voting Machines in New York.

On Jan. 28th the New York board of Elections (BOE) Voted to:

- NOT Certify the ExpressVote XL Voting Machine, because of Two Flaws that went against Election Law, though there were many additional Flaws Not prohibited by Law.

- Certify the DS850 High-Spead Scanner Upgrade but Affirmed that Localities can continue to use their current Systems that use the popular Automark Ballot Marking Devices for Disability Voters.

New York Elections face Threats at this moment:

1. The Board could easily Vote to Certify, the ExpressVote XL, a later Meeting.

It is imperative that the legislature take immediate action by passing Legislation to Ban "hybrid" or "all-in-one" Voting machines. The New York State Legislature must prevent this Voting Machine and other systems like it, from Deteriorating our Security and our ability to have Confidence in our Elections. Legislation to Ban Insecure Hybrid or “all-in-one” Voting Machines in New York has already been introduced. Legislators can Co-Sponsor and take immediate action on the Bill: Senate Bill S309.

2. Seven Disability groups, wrote to the NY State Board of Elections, opposing Certification of the ExpressVote XL. Yet, it could wind up being used another way. This “update” could lead to the use of the ExpressVote XL, because the DS850 “update” is not Compatible with One of New York’s current Ballot-Marking Devices, the Automark. This could force Counties currently using the Automark to purchase a Replacement. ES&S wants the ExpressVote XL to be that Replacement. Of the Ballot-Marking Devices available in New York, the Automark is by far the preferred Voting Machine of Voters with Disabilities.

Legislators must contact the Board, and urge them Not to Not Update the DS850 Software until it is compatible with the Automark.

3. The New York State Board of Elections is drastically Underfunded. The Board said at their recent Meeting: “We need to have the resources available to administer our elections.” If we want to have Confidence in our Elections, we must fully Fund our Bi-Partisan Election Agencies, so that they can do their Job well. Legislators must take action to speed Funding to this essential Agency.

We know that the Companies that Sell these Unacceptable Machines are trying to get them approved by the NY BOE. The Legislature needs to provide Clear Guidance to the BOE as soon as they come back into Session, next week.

These Machines pose a Security Risk: they can produce Unreliable Paper Ballots, and make a Post-Election Audit near impossible.

We live in a time when the Accuracy of Election Results and Computer Hacking is in the News and many Voters lack Confidence in Election Outcomes. Banning Hybrid Machines and Barcodes on Ballots, going forward, will give New York Voters confidence that their Vote is Cast and Counted Accurately.

ES&S AutoMark Counties:

Albany County
Erie County
Nassau County
New York City
Rockland County
Schenectady County










NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker