Hundreds of problems with direct recording electronic (DRE) voting machines have been reported nationwide. Watch out for common problems that affect DRE voting machines. If you have any problems voting, please speak to a VotePA representative outside the polling place, or if none is available call VotePA at 724-347-6615 or 724-347-2991 or e-mail

Please be on alert for the following voting problems:

LATE OPENING/EARLY CLOSING OF POLLS - Machine failures or late pollworkers can cause the polls to open late or close early. If you cannot come back at another time to vote, ask that you be given a provisional ballot. If you are in line when the polls close, insist that you be allowed to vote as permitted by law.

INCOMPLETE BALLOT - Carefully check to make sure that all of the state and local races or candidates are on the ballot before you hit “Cast Ballot” or “VOTE.” In other elections voters found races missing and were not allowed to correct their ballots once they had hit the button!

VOTE SWITCHING - When you make your selections, double check each to make sure the “check mark” shows up next to the correct choice. In past elections there were many reports of voters electing one candidate on touch screens and the machine selecting a different candidate.

SCREEN MALFUNCTION - Each time you touch the screen, make sure the “check mark” shows up in the correct place on the ballot. If the screen consistently has problems ask to be moved to another machine, and also ask that the malfunctioning machine be taken out of service.

write-IN PROBLEMS - Pollworkers may not automatically instruct you on how to enter a write-in candidate. Ask for help, and make sure your write-in selection appears correctly on the review screen before you cast your ballot.

PEB PROBLEM - Be sure that the pollworker is able to get your correct ballot to appear on screen. If you find that you got a wrong ballot for your precinct and party after you have started to vote, stop voting and notify the pollworker immediately.

TECHNICIAN ACCESSING MACHINES - Access to machines on Election Day is limited to voters, polllworkers and authorized technicians from the Board of Elections. If you see someone unlocking a machine or inserting cards or equipment into a machine who doesn’t appear to be an authorized technician or pollworker, notify one of the pollworkers immediately. Even if the person appears to be authorized, don’t be affraid to ask questions. Please report any machine access by technicians or others to a VotePA pollwatcher outside the polling place, or call VotePA.

INCORRECT SCREEN REVIEW - Check the review screen carefully to make sure your choices were recorded correctly. If the review screen is still incorrect after you go back and correct your choices, ask for assistance from a pollworker. Ask to be m ved to another machine, or get the pollworker to restart you if necessary.

DO NOT LEAVE THE MACHINE UNTIL YOU SEE THE WORDS “THANK YOU FOR VOTING” ON THE SCREEN.

Fine, but who else can we vote for besides a dog and a cat?
That makes us all look like morons.  After all this chatter, no one is able to vote for a candidate that will do the right thing?  Instead we are voting for pets?  Which is worse?  I’ll bet if you scratch an incumbant behind the ears he’ll purr or lick your hand.
Options?

Fine, but who else can we vote for besides a dog and a cat?
That makes us all look like morons.  After all this chatter, no one is able to vote for a candidate that will do the right thing?  Instead we are voting for pets?  Which is worse?  I’ll bet if you scratch an incumbant behind the ears he’ll purr or lick your hand.
Options?

Carolyn, actually the ones who look like morons are the incumbents. There are candidates out there that have a strong desire to do the right thing. Unfortunately, it isn’t the incumbents. The November general election will be the true tell all. Nearly every candidate has an opponent. There are still several offices where there are opponents in the primary election. If only the incumbent’s name appears on the ballot don’t vote for them. You will be sending a loud and clear message that you are not satisifed with the work they have been doing.

As for scratching an incumbent behind the ears don’t believe that they will purr or lick your hand. I’ve scratched quite a few of their ears and have yet to hear so much as a purr out of them yet alone have them lick my hand.