I noticed something missing when I voted on Tuesday, March 21. With all the talk about the new voting machines, I was interested in seeing how they would work. Things were going fine – until the judge took my ballot and fed it into the voting machine with everybody standing around. It was then I realized what was missing: My secret ballot!
This problem started after the recount in Florida in 2000, when they began feeding the punch cards through the old machines while you waited. It was possible, for someone with a skillful eye, to see how you had voted in certain races.
With the new optical scan ballot, however, your votes are right out in the open. Now precinct captains do not have to trust voters. They can see they are getting what they paid for.
I understand the problems with the old system. They need to be fixed. But that solution must not come at the price of one of the most precious rights we have: The right to vote – in secret – for the candidates of our choice.
Comments