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For immediate release.
March 1, 2001
Contact: Jesse Rutledge, N.C. Center for Voter Education,
(919) 839-1200

Federal Funds Would Eliminate 'Hanging Chads,' Ensure Every Vote Counts

RALEIGH – The N.C. Center for Voter Education today welcomed news that Congressional leaders in Washington have introduced a bill to provide funds to update voting equipment in North Carolina and other states that use outdated punch-card technology.

The Center urged the N.C. congressional delegation to work toward speedy passage of the federal bill, so that immediate steps may be taken to replace antiquated voting equipment.

Yesterday, Congressman David Price (D-4th District) unveiled legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives that would provide up to $432 million nationwide to modernize voting equipment. According to the bill, the federal government would offer $6,000 to each voting precinct that upgrades its punch-card voting system by November 2002.

“What happened in Florida could have happened in North Carolina,” said Chris Heagarty, executive director of the N.C. Center for Voter Education. “We need to ensure the public does not lose faith in our electoral system. By acquiring 21st century voting equipment, we would be sending a message that every vote should, does, and will count.”

In North Carolina, most counties are responsible for purchasing and maintaining voting equipment. Eight still use punch-cards, the system made notorious by the Florida election disaster. They are Duplin, McDowell, Mitchell, Watauga, Cabarrus, Forsyth, Onslow and Vance counties. Tight budgets have resulted in local governments turning a blind-eye to deteriorating voting systems. Congressman Price’s efforts in Washington would provide immediate financial assistance while leaving the conduct of elections to local officials.

Heagarty noted that there is already bipartisan support in the state legislature to eliminate punch-card ballots. He pointed to bills introduced by Rep. Wayne Goodwin (D-Rockingham) and Sen. Bob Rucho (R-Mecklenburg). Given North Carolina’s current financial woes, it is unclear whether these bills will be properly funded from state coffers.

“This is a tight budget year for North Carolina, so Congressman Price’s bill is the best hope for election reform this year. It would provide no-strings-attached funding at a time when North Carolina needs it most. Congress should act now to ensure that the voting equipment is modernized in time for the 2002 elections,” Heagarty urged.

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