The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. A recount is only an investigation.. The county rolled out the voting machines for the 2019 general election, which allowed people to vote electronically while providing a paper backup of their ballot for the first time. ["GalleryID"]=> The problem stems from voters pushing a selection button in the upper left-hand corner because there is a little box there next to the name. string(11) "Image_1.gif" () I, myself, was always concerned when you went to a recount, that the recount was kind of a joke. Once ballots from all the machines in a precinct have been scanned, the scanner produces a paper and digital receipt. Homeless retirees, Fight for Bidens student loan forgiveness plan isnt over, says Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. The machines then are moved to polling locations by staff from the county facilities department starting two weeks before the election. string(11) "Image_1.gif" ["Detail"]=> . 2134 21451 Voters make their selection through a computer touchscreen, which then prints a paper ballot with a barcode. "People don't have time to throw away on dealing with the failures of the county election officials who didn't make sure the poll workers knew how to operate the voting machines," Guzman said in a news release. Homeless retirees, Fight for Bidens student loan forgiveness plan isnt over, says Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Jul 16, 2021 0 READING, Pa. Berks County officials say they will not give third party access to the county's voting machine equipment. The announcement comes as Letters will be sent to registered voters in the precincts to alert them of the change. "Jill Stein, a candidate for president for the Green Party, sued the commonwealth and dealt with two main areas," Leinbach explained. Heres why theres no one else like her. Berks County Republican Committee files petitions for vote recount object(stdClass)#1119 (3) { Get local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox. "There's a lot more scrutiny going on right now than there was in 2020," Leinbach said, "and right or wrong, it doesn't matter. Next chapter in Americas aging boom? "All the individuals who I spoke with indicated that they were ultimately able to select the candidates that they wanted to select," Kauffman said. WebUse this page to see a demonstration of how to use the voting system in your county. Numerous voters complained to us and continue to complain to us each day that these electronic voting machines were switching their choices from Republican to Democrat for the offices of U.S. Senate and governor, Berks County Republican Committee Chairman Clay Breece said in a statement posted on the committees website about the petitions. Berks County She is a graduate of Temple University with a degree in journalism. , - She won her case, and the ruling forced the commonwealth to implement new electronic voting machines that had a paper ballot for voter verification.". Before arriving at the Reading Eagle, Karen covered policy issues in Harrisburg and Washington for LNP. The machine will now know that the next USB stick has to have the appropriate passwords on it in order to successfully download the ballot. [created] => 2023-06-22 12:40:09 Heres why theres no one else like her. Whats the big deal with Taylor Swift? Weaver said Friday that the county had not yet received a formal challenge of the results. The county upgraded the system in about 2016. Weaver acknowledged the elections office received several claims on Election Day regarding malfunctioning voting machines in a handful of precincts. , , , 6 , , , , : , 6 , , ( ), - " ", , The county will roll out new voting machines for the upcoming election, which will allow people to vote electronically while also providing a paper backup of their ballot for Homeless retirees, Fight for Bidens student loan forgiveness plan isnt over, says Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Karen Shuey joined the Reading Eagle staff in 2015. Also at the meeting, the board announced it will host a roundtable discussion April 28 about the 2020 election. The barcode is read by a scanner casting the vote. Some problems have been reported for voting in Berks County.State Rep. Manny Guzman (D-127) said he experienced a "substantial delay" because workers at his poll location were not properly trained on the county's new voting machines. Updated: 7:23 PM EDT May 17, 2022. A parent thinks so. Brand New App to watch all of WFMZ-TV News and Syndicated Programing 24/7 on your Streaming App enabled TV. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Shamo said the new machines are relatively heavier, at about 50 pounds a piece, which can create transportation issues for his company. Kauffman further explained that when a candidate is selected on the screen, the candidate is highlighted in green to make the voter aware if the selection. 2, Lower Heidelberg Township Precinct No. }, - , , , , 3 : , The county said the filing will prevent it from certifying the election results on Nov. 28, as planned. "To my knowledge, there are no claims that voters weren't able to do that.". [category_id] => 4663 The testing, which is required under the Pennsylvania Election Code, will take place inside the cavernous warehouse at the Berks County South Campus in Mohnton. The machines then print paper ballots that include a barcode and plain text, giving voters a chance to look at the receipt to ensure their vote was recorded correctly. Karen Shuey joined the Reading Eagle staff in 2015. Homeless retirees, Fight for Bidens student loan forgiveness plan isnt over, says Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. (KAREN SHUEY READING EAGLE) The machines The county rolled out the voting machines for the 2019 general election, which allowed people to vote electronically We want to make this expressly clear: No one is alleging the 2022 election is stolen, his statement says. Berks County election officials say all of its voting machines were working correctly when voters cast their ballots on Election Day and they have received no formal petition to perform a manual recount of the results. The post says applications to volunteer must be submitted by Monday. Berks GOP asks court for vote recount in 30 precincts The statement goes on to share what it says are stories from several voters who claim their votes were switched by voting machines. Shamo said that if the county budget is approved in September,it is possible the panels would be in place in time for the primary next May and it would definitely be ready for the general election in 2024. string(16) "http://sager.sa/" It also contains a claim from a voter who says the ballot tabulator never registered her vote when she scanned her ballot. "That is why we have what we have, and I would remind people for 31 years, Berks County had machines with no paper backup," Leinbach added. 2014 - 2023. But, he added, the board doesnt have enough information at this point to say what a new facility should look like. ["ImageName"]=> "You can report election complaints here. Berks Elections Board addresses integrity of voting machines The petition filed by the Berks County Republican Committee on behalf of 94 voters is demanding [created_user_id] => 524 Wednesday was the deadline imposed by the court in its ruling last week. Berks Elections Board addresses integrity of voting machines The political machine Faddis described was a network of Big Tech, the [urls] => {"urla":"","urlatext":"","targeta":"","urlb":"","urlbtext":"","targetb":"","urlc":"","urlctext":"","targetc":""} WebIt also prepares and packages various election materials required by polling officials; maintains, services and prepares approximately 1,000 electronic voting machines; The machines will be moved to polling locations by staff from the county facilities department starting two weeks before the election. In a few weeks, the county will be testing the electronic poll Commissioner Kevin S. Barnhardt noted that the same voting machines have been used since the fall of 2019, and after roughly about one million votes in seven elections, there is suddenly now a problem. 22-Jun-2023 "We did receive some claims and I think it's important to make clear that this is not an issue that we took lightly and it's certainly not an issue that we ignored when we received these claims. Administrators are able to look at how many ballots have been cast on the machine but are unable to match a vote to a person. April 17, 2023 Karen Shuey, Reading Eagle Shutterstock (TNS) When Berks County voters head to the polls on May 16 to cast their ballots in the municipal primary, Berks says Facebook post incorrect that election recount is planned [checked_out_time] => 0000-00-00 00:00:00 Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. ( To learn what voting system is used in your county and see a video demonstration of how it The county would have to pay for the vote panels, Shamo said. There were no malfunctions, no vote switching and no recount ordered at this time, she said. I see this as a long-term investment for the county.. Brand New App to watch all of WFMZ-TV News and Syndicated Programing 24/7 on your Streaming App enabled TV. "This isn't something we just rolled out on Nov. 8," Barnhardt said, "so it's just interesting that we are dealing with this seven times later since 2019.". Breeces statement says the petitions jointly funded by the Republican Committee and the Pennsylvania Liberty Fund, a political action committee that is connected with the Pennsylvania Liberty Alliance are not meant as a claim that overall results of the election are wrong. County officials invited members of the media to check out the process as it began, saying they wanted to provide as much transparency as possible about how the machines are readied for action. "The electronic voting machines and poll books adopted by Berks County have introduced a level of technology and complexity that means many election functions have to be outsourced to private companies that have no connection or oversight by the county. }. With the primary election growing closer, Berks County election officials are making moves. The county currently has 239 voting machines, and a one-to-one replacement would cost about $669,000, Shamo said. Before arriving at the Reading Eagle, Karen covered policy issues in Harrisburg and Washington for LNP. County elections director Anne Norton told the board that starting Friday morning her team will be performing logic and accuracy testing on each of the nearly 800 ( ) 3500 26 10 40 430 (2022) 106 23 " " : " 2030 " " " . Berks County Polling Locations and Voting Guide for the 2023 Berks voting machines being tested ahead of, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Kutztown Folk Festival, Pottstown GoFourth Fest, Berks voting machines being tested ahead of municipal election, Heres what you need to know about Pennsylvanias fireworks law this Fourth of July, Former state Sen. Pat Browne takes office as Pa. secretary of revenue, Trump aide unable to make Miami court appearance on documents due to flight delays, Pa. Republican congressmen back Trump in 2024 campaign, Fireworks in southeastern PA celebrate 4th of July 2023, This popular Pa. convenience store chain is lowering gas prices to $1.776 on July 4, Christmas Tree Shops plans to close all of its stores, Wyomissing's 4th of July Parade reinforces ties within community, Reading man arrested after series of domestic assaults reported, Philadelphia man arrested after West Reading resident reports attempted car break-ins, Berks man charged with vehicular homicide in crash that killed his 1-year-old son. "The idea we might have people walk away from their right to be heard is unacceptable. Could the Bible be the next book banned in schools? According to the petitions, the committee is requesting: A manual recount of all paper ballots generated by the voting machines, as well as all mailed, absentee and provisional ballots. Leinbach added that he is seeking answers to determine if the screens on the machines can be changed for the May 2023 primary. "In fact, there was no backup other than the electronic data that was entered when somebody pushed the buttons on the face, and then on the lower right-hand side push the green button that said vote. The nearly $4.5 million purchase of machines from Election Systems & Software fulfilled a state directive that all election systems produce a paper trail to track ballots. The judge of elections at each voting precinct removes the bag and securely closes it in the presence of two other poll workers. Shapiro beat Mastriano in Berks by about 6,500 votes, according to complete but unofficial results posted on the county elections department website. The Berks County Board of Elections is exploring options on how to best protect its investment in new voting machines and electronic poll books. " " . The voting machines are currently stored in a warehouse at the Berks County Agricultural Center along County Welfare Road. The post makes these allegations without providing evidence. Pennsylvania representative reports problem with Berks County voting machines. The Berks County Board of Elections is exploring options on how to best protect its investment in new voting machines and electronic poll books. County The post seems to have originated from the private Facebook page of a group called the Southeastern PA Freedom Fighters. "We've received various claims of varying degrees regarding the Express [Systems & Software] voting machines, which I'll reemphasize is a ballot-marking device only; it does not tabulate voting results," Kauffman explained. 3. Berks says Facebook post incorrect that votes, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Kutztown Folk Festival, Pottstown GoFourth Fest, Berks says Facebook post incorrect that votes were switched [Updated], Heres what you need to know about Pennsylvanias fireworks law this Fourth of July, Former state Sen. Pat Browne takes office as Pa. secretary of revenue, Trump aide unable to make Miami court appearance on documents due to flight delays, Pa. Republican congressmen back Trump in 2024 campaign, Fireworks in southeastern PA celebrate 4th of July 2023, This popular Pa. convenience store chain is lowering gas prices to $1.776 on July 4, Christmas Tree Shops plans to close all of its stores, Wyomissing's 4th of July Parade reinforces ties within community, Reading man arrested after series of domestic assaults reported, Philadelphia man arrested after West Reading resident reports attempted car break-ins, Berks man charged with vehicular homicide in crash that killed his 1-year-old son. READING, Pa. The Berks County Board of Elections on Thursday heard an opinion from its solicitor that he believes no voter in Berks County cast a ballot for unintended candidates in the Nov. 8 election. Next chapter in Americas aging boom? Berks County voters will put new voting system to the test [Video . "To get rid of electronic voting machines, you are really coming to the wrong place," Leinbach said. Berks County The election board also approved polling location changes that will impact some voters in Ruscombmanor and Washington townships: Ruscombmanor Townships 2nd Precinct will temporarily move to the township municipal building at 204 Oak Lane from Evergreen Country Club. The new panels offer an upgraded screen presentation that would replace faded lettering with more vivid color-activated screens. After the machines have been successfully tested, they are sealed and considered ready to be delivered. Two years ago, the county purchased voting machines to replace the system that had been in place for three decades. Stephanie Weaver, the county elections assistant director, said the testing helps build trust in local elections and clarity in the process. Spangler said that MicroVote not only sells the machines but assists the county during the election, providing training, helping with set up and staying with election officials throughout the process. County elections director Anne Norton told the board that starting Friday morning her team will be performing logic and accuracy testing on each of the nearly 800 voting machines the county will use on May 16 as well as the ballot scanners from each of the 202 Berks precincts. Officials from the Republican committee tell a different story. Wegman said a simplified voting method would enable Berks election services employees to oversee the entire voting process. ["GalleryID"]=> More: City Council creates committee to develop ethics commission for Muncie government. Two petitions were filed in county court Monday afternoon, one seeking a recount at three precincts and the other asking for a recount at 27 precincts. The Berks County Republican Committee and 94 voters are seeking a recount of ballots cast during the general election at 30 precincts across the county. Her team has also invited members of the media to check out the process, saying they want to provide as much transparency as possible about how the machines are readied for action. Spangler said the current machines are 20 years old and were bought by former Clerk Karen Wenger. So now the best way to safely store those devices to ensure they function properly is on the minds of those tasked with that responsibility. You have permission to edit this article. Berks Elections Board addresses integrity of voting machines, Two months after Charles III's coronation, Scotland hosts its own event to honor the new monarch, Boris Becker hid prize horses in bedroom from debt collectors!, Damian Lewis to perform National Anthem ahead of 2023 British Grand Prix at Silverstone, Smallville actor released from prison for role in sex-trafficking case tied to cult-like group, Rosie ODonnell insists old friend Madonna is good at home despite reports Queen of Pop is still suffering, Stormcenter - School / Business Application. That arduous and tedious process, which will take more than a week to complete, began Friday morning at the Berks County South Campus in Mohnton. MUNCIE, Ind. Leinbach explained that the machines the county has today are a direct result of the Stein vs. the Commonwealth lawsuit that occurred after the 2016 presidential election. "People don't have time to throw away on dealing with the failures of the county election officials who didn't make sure the poll workers knew how to operate the voting machines," Guzman said in a news release. Berks County, Pa., Installs Voting Machines with Paper Trail The elections board on Thursday spoke about the efforts being taken to ensure the voting machines the county will use on election day will run properly when they are put into service and approved two polling place changes. She is a graduate of Temple University with a degree in journalism. }, array(1) { Some problems have been reported for voting in Berks County. It's voter suppression through incompetence at the top.". Berks County, Pa., Tests Voting Machines Ahead of Election Heres why theres no one else like her. [content_id] => 6647 ': Sheetz sees long lines as it offers gas at $1.776 a gallon for July 4, Mount Bethel Twp. This is not how government is supposed to serve its constituents.. Voter guide for the Pennsylvania Primary, May 17, 2022. Homeless retirees, Fight for Bidens student loan forgiveness plan isnt over, says Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. R.F. . ': Sheetz sees long lines as it offers gas at $1.776 a gallon for July 4, Mount Bethel Twp. +: 966126511999 Dwight Wegman, Lower Heidelberg Township, said there is a larger point to be made concerning the recent resignation of Paige Riegner as the county's elections director. The judge of elections then takes the bag to the county elections office on election night. ", "Complexity in the machines also means that Berks County Elections Services and volunteers are powerless to fix problems as they occur, leading to frustration by election services employees, volunteers and voters," he continued. He also said that MicroVote can deliver all the machines for use in the presidential elelction in 2024 and spread payment of the equipment across two years without charging interest. Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Berks County election officials discuss storage, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Collegeville fitness instructor makes a splash with Aqua Zumba, Kutztown Folk Festival, Pottstown GoFourth Fest, Berks County election officials discuss storage options for voting system, Five dead in Philadelphia shooting thats nations worst violence around July 4, Joey Chestnut shakes off rain delay and defends title at Nathans Fourth of July hot dog contest, PHOTOS AND VIDEO: 70s themed celebration provides groovy Pottstown GoFourth, Christmas Tree Shops plans to close all of its stores, the county decided they will purchase electronic poll books, Montgomery County restaurateur expands into Berks, This popular Pa. convenience store chain is lowering gas prices to $1.776 on July 4, PHOTOS AND VIDEO: '70s themed celebration provides groovy Pottstown GoFourth, Jerry Shenk: Biden corruption is worse than Watergate, Robert De Niros grandson Leandro De Niro Rodriguez dies at 19, A Texas man who went missing as a teen in 2015 has been found alive, his family and police say, West Norriton man sent to prison for raping woman in Norristown Farm Park, Severe storms again a possibility for southeastern Pennsylvania Monday afternoon and evening [Updated], Cape Cod shark sightings rise with more eyes on the water, seals with shark bites spotted, Denvers June rainfall breaks 140-year-old record: Its an almost ridiculous amount of rain. [content_asset_id] => 15692 of Elections, Official Results Report of the 2021 Primary, at 4 (June 10, 2021). County looking to replace vote machines in time for presidential string(15) "http://grc.net/" The testing process includes putting an encrypted USB stick into the machines to upload all the security passwords connected to this particular election. Whats the big deal with Taylor Swift? Kauffman reported the technicians who examined the machines did not find any issues. Election workers have begun conducting logic and accuracy testing to ensure the machines voters will use on election day are running properly before they are put into service. The county currently has 239 voting machines, and a one-to-one replacement would cost about $669,000, Shamo said. Fellow Commissioners Christian Leinbach and Michael Rivera said they support the fact-finding mission. All voters in Berks County will use the ES&S ExpressVote I believe there is a legitimate issue, and I believe it comes down to the design of the screen.". holds Independence Day parade, Tractor-trailer driver cited in crash that closed Route 22 for hours, left trash and debris across highway. Next chapter in Americas aging boom? It also states that it will cost $50 to perform the recount at each precinct. Berks Elections Board addresses integrity of voting machines She is a graduate of Temple University with a degree in journalism. [created_time] => 2023-06-20 11:40:29 object(stdClass)#1074 (3) { County officials invited members of the media as well as representatives from the local Democratic, Republican, Libertarian and Green parties to check out the process, saying they want to provide as much transparency as possible about how the machines are readied for action. Commissioner Christian Y. Leinbach said he is currently having conversations with Election Systems and Software concerning the design on the machines. Pennsylvania Liberty Fund President Ron Boltz is quoted in the statement about the petitions as saying he does not believe there should be any resistance to the idea of conducting manual recounts.
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