Read it here                   New Cost Research

A funding source for implementing accessible optical scan not previously considered: residual value . . . residual value . . . residual value!

The long awaited report on how to manage a cost-effective transition from touch screen voting to accessible paper ballots in Maryland. Not only can it be achieved for a fraction of previous estimates; but future savings in statewide election administration costs can make a significant contribution toward Maryland's current deficit.

The Report can be found . . .  here

Cost Savings Are Not the Only Benefit

There are significant additional benefits that accrue to the State with the transition to an accessible optical scan voting system:

•  Greater Transparency in election administration.

•  Better Poll Worker Recruitment with a user-friendly voting system.

• An end to Spiraling Costs: such as constant replacement of short-lived technology, outsourcing of maintenance, and a constant path of upgrades, patches, and security improvements

Securing Implementation of  SB392/ HB18

Capitalizing on Unanimous Passage and the Governor’s Signature!

Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown, Sen. Pres. Thomas V. "Mike" Miller, Jr., Gov. Martin O'Malley and House Speaker Michael Busch together with members of the Maryland House of Delegates and Senate, and supporters of verified voting legislation including members of the Maryland Election Integrity Coalition.

In Annapolis, on May 17, 2006, in a room packed with supporters, press and well-wishers, Governor Martin O'Malley signed into law Senate Bill 392/House Bill 18, "Voter Verifiable Paper Records".

The bill signing was the culmination of a process that began five months earlier when the Maryland Election Integrity Coalition [MD-EIC] organized a working coalition of five member organizations (and numerous supporting partners) around a common cause - to pass a paper ballot/optical scan bill in the 2007 legislative session. Our thanks to the leadership in Annapolis, which brought unanimous support to this effort; and to everyone who played a role in passage.

Since the end of the Legislative Session, our attention has focused on finding the funding necessary to implement this legislation, under conditions of extreme fiscal constraint. 

 MD-EIC has recently provided those in the legislative and executive branch, who are addressing the structural deficit and the FY2009 budget, with our cost analysis.  (read the report here) We believe that an accessible paper ballot/optical scan voting system can be acquired with very little capital outlay.  Further, it is apparent that the transition to op scan, which will reduce the number of required voting units in Maryland by 80%, will produce millions in cost savings for the state and counties.  These savings can then be used to address other pressing needs.

An Accessible Optical Scan Voting System:

• Is Cost Effective to purchase and leads to immediate and long-term savings in election administration.

• Returns Election Day administration to the purview of local jurisdictions, citizen judges, and volunteers.

• Increases citizen participation and election administration transparency.

• Provides paper ballots, for all voters, ballots that are available for recounts and audits.

 In the coming weeks, on this website, MD-EIC will be providing additional detailed analysis of the cost effectiveness of funding SB392/HB18 and of providing budgetary relief in election administration.