Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke released the following statement about the new voting system being installed in New York State this year:

“For years, citizens of New York have voted using a lever voting machine. This will change on November 2, 2010 when New York adopts a new scanning method of voting. It is important that our residents understand how the new system will work so that all votes are accurately accounted for,” stated Rep. Yvette D. Clarke.

According to the Board of Elections (BOE) in the City of New York, “Voters will mark their choices on a paper ballot using a pen or ballot marking device, and will insert their marked ballot into a scanner. The scanner will then tabulate the votes after the polls close on Election Day. The new poll site voting system provides a verifiable paper record and allows all voters, including voters with disabilities, to vote privately and independently at their poll site.”

The BOE will be hosting public demonstrations to give voters an opportunity to practice voting using the new system. On Friday, October 22, 2010, a demonstration will take place at the Saint Gabriel Senior Citizens Center from 10:30am to 12:30pm.

“It is critical that our citizens fully understand the new voting system as they head to the polls. We must empower our residents with the knowledge necessary to help them exercise their right to vote. I urge all New Yorkers to visit http://www.vote.nyc.ny.us/ to learn more about the voting system and to see a schedule of voting demonstrations,” concluded Rep. Clarke.

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