2 more voting machine systems receive certification from state

MERCER, Pa. -- Two more voting machine systems were certified by Pennsylvania late last week, Mercer County commissioners learned Tuesday.
Commonwealth Secretary Pedro Cortes notified commissioners that the iVotronic Touchscreen Voting System with Unity Software and the Diebold Election Systems' Accuvote Electronic Voting System, OS Optical Scan Units and Gems Election Management Software were certified Dec. 22. In addition, last August the Accupoll Direct Recording Electronic Voting System Version 2.50 was also certified.
Commissioner Michele Brooks said the three certified machines are at the top of Mercer County's list. She said commissioners are also considering a Sequoia brand system, but that has not received certification yet. She would not say how soon commissioners will make a decision on which system to buy.
In announcing the certification, Commonwealth Secretary Pedro Cortes remarked that it is contingent on all three of the systems' disabling their machine's ability to provide a voter-verified paper receipt system, which is illegal in Pennsylvania because it could compromise confidentiality. He also listed several conditions for certification of the iVotronic System, including changing requirements on changing of passwords, and specific directions on use of modems.
Commissioners' meeting
Also Tuesday, commissioners said they will host the Northwest County Commissioners' Association meeting Jan. 10 beginning at 10 a.m. at Tara resort in Clark. Representatives of 22 counties are expected.
Featured speaker will be Larry Reichart, executive director of Penn Northwest development group. He will talk about the Sites 1000 development project.
The regular chief clerk's meeting will be canceled that day.