I first began posting about these machines in 2006.  I cannot believe that any state would use them! - Laura

South Carolina’s Voting Machines Face Test

in Presidential Primary

All of South Carolina's 46 counties use a paperless voting system and touch screen methods to vote. That system will come under intense scrutiny as five mainstream candidates vie for the state's GOP primary victory. ABC News reports on one possible snafu. Stephen Colbert claimed to his supporters that he could be a write-in candidate. That is not the case. There are nine candidates listed on South Carolina's official ballot for the Republican presidential preference primary. But there is no slot for a write in, or in this case a possible "type in" candidate.

Here's a look at South Carolina's voting machines as the state gears up for its presidential preference primary on Jan. 21.

June 2010 Controversy

As recently as June of 2010, the previous electronic voting system used by South Carolina came under scrutiny. The Atlantic Monthly reported that the Palmetto State utilized ES&S iVotronic systems starting in 2008. The article reported Ohio and Colorado banned the machines. A case in Kentucky indicted nine election officials on voter fraud as people tricked voters into thinking their votes had been cast when they really weren't. Those officials then cast votes according to who they want, not the voters.

The case of Alvin Greene and state's Democratic Senate primary of 2010 was controversial for various reasons. Greene defeated rival Vic Rawl with just under 60 percent of the vote. Rawl claimed that was impossible since absentee ballots, which were cast by hand, showed overwhelming support for Rawl.

The Charleston Post and Courier reported in October 2010 that Manning was a relative unknown, had little campaign money and somehow won despite being a felon. The state's election commission rejected the notion of circumstantial evidence because there were no methods to back up Rawl's claim. His lawyer stated that was the problem.

Further Scrutiny

For the November 2010 mid-term elections, paperless voting machines came under further scrutiny. South Carolina purchased 12,000 iVotronic machines with federal money. A few machines malfunctioned in 2008.

One issue with the voting machines revolved around proprietary issues. ES&S owns the software to the machines. The company doesn't have to divulge how their systems work. Otherwise, the trade secret will be out and the company would lose money and its secure voting systems.

Computer World reported in late October 2010 that six states, South Carolina included, used completely paperless systems. Verified Voting told the publication that paperless systems make it difficult to reliably recount votes if there is a software glitch.

In April of 2011, some of South Carolina's elected officials felt there were enough issues with the iVotronic systems for the legislature to get a new system. Myrtle Beach Online reported the price tag for an entirely new system was $30 million.

How to Vote in South Carolina

A demo of the technology is on the South Carolina State Election Commission's website. Each voting machine is independent and can't be hacked into wirelessly. A voting official activates the device, voters use the touch screen to make choices and follow instructions on the screen. After you are done voting, that's it. There are no paper receipts. Each machine has three redundant memory systems to ensure accuracy.

The Verified Voting Foundation states direct recording electronic voting has improved the system and can prevent vote miscounts or fraud. However, more backup systems need to be in place to prevent problems and increase voter trust in the system.

William Browning is a research librarian specializing in U.S. politics. Born in St. Louis, Browning is active in local politics and served as a campaign volunteer for President Barack Obama and Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill.

https://news.yahoo.com/south-carolina-voting-machines-face-test-presidential-primary-005600318.html