How to Use the New Voting Machines

The biggest difference between the large old voting machines and the new portable model is that there are no levers to flip. All you have to do to vote on the new machine is press a touch pad to place an 'X' by your selection. When you finish, the old red lever that opened the curtain has been replaced by a large red "Cast Your Vote" button, which automatically tallies the votes, and you're finished.

When you go to vote on Election Day, the voting machine will look only slightly different than the old style machine. You will go through a curtain, and just as in the past, see all the candidates' names laid out in front of you. Only now the face of the machine ballot will be identical to the ballot you receive in the mail. When you vote for a candidate, you will simply press the square button to the right of the candidates name, and a green 'X' light will come on to indicate your choice. You can change your selection by pressing the same box a second time, and the 'X' light will go off. You will also vote for a Public Question in a similar manner by touching the box next to the Yes or No for each question.

For a write-in vote, you no longer have to 'pencil' a name in. Now you will use a keypad located in the bottom center of the machine, directly beneath the ballot, to type in the person's name. You will select the button 'Write-In' on the ballot for the office you want to put the candidates name, and then type in the name of the person one character at a time.

Once you've completed making your selections, there is one button that cannot be changed; it is the Red 'CAST VOTE' button, located at the bottom right of the machine just below the ballot. This replaces flipping a lever to cast your votes and open the curtain. The machine will then make a sound and you are finished. You simply walk out through the curtain.

The new machines can also be adjusted to several different positions for handicapped individuals.

Always remember to bring with you some form of identification each time you vote in the event you are 'challenged' at the polls. If you cannot prove who you are, you will not be permitted to vote.

If you have any further questions, a member of the Elections staff will be happy to assist you.