Pocono News Section

Paper Ballots Didn't Deter Wayne County Voters

Paper Ballots Didn't Deter Wayne County Voters - Tuesday, November 6, 2007 at 7:45PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Tuesday, Nov 6, 2007 @07:45pm EST
WAYMART, WAYNE COUNTY - A grocery box with a handmade cut in the top may be a ballot box from the past but, for the first time in more than 50 years, people in Wayne County used paper ballots on election day.

Waymart Resident, Betty Waters said, "It was fine. You just fill in the squares, solid, where you want."

At the American Legion in Waymart, turnout was larger than normal Tuesday. Election officials attribute that to curiosity.

Minority Inspector Karen McElroy said, "We have older people who seem to be used to it."

They may be used to it but may not like it.

With so many choices, many voters say the touch-screen machines would have been easier.

Waters said, "Touch-screens are easier and quicker."

Unlike Lackawanna County, voters in Wayne County say they are not concerned about the integrity of their votes or potential tampering.

George Waters, Waymart resident said, "I don't. Not in Wayne County I don't. If I was to go out of Wayne County, I might have some great suspicions."

In every precinct, even Honesdale, extra precautions are being taken. All important ballots will be placed in a brown bag, then wrapped with twine and brought to the courthouse.

Honesdale Judge of Elections Debra O'Neill said, "Its making a couple people a little nervous. But for the most part, its been pretty good. It doesn't seem to bother many people."