Associated Press: Voters raise concerns about voting machines, poll access

11.2.2018 / By Christina A. Cassidy and Alina Hartounian
Associated Press: Voters raise concerns about voting machines, poll access

The good government group Common Cause is monitoring voting concerns around the country. Its president, Karen Hobert Flynn, said most of the problems reported to date are fairly typical. "We are waiting to see what else will come out," she said.

ATLANTA (AP) — Political activist Leah McElrath was reviewing her electronic ballot at a polling place in Houston when she was shocked to find Republican Ted Cruz listed as her choice in Texas’ high-profile U.S. Senate race.

McElrath had voted a straight ticket for Democrats, but the machine had switched her vote in the Senate race to Cruz, the incumbent. She snapped a quick photo, which she later posted on social media after seeing others making similar complaints.

“The main thing isn’t why it’s happening — if it’s malice, malfunctioning or poor design,” McElrath said. “It just needs to stop.”

The vote changes in Texas are just one example in a long list of concerns about the voting process that have surfaced in the run-up to Tuesday’s election.

Outdated equipment, confusion among election workers, polling place closures and efforts in some states to make voting eligibility more rigorous are among the reasons for many of the complaints. Another factor: Early voting across the country has been heavier than during the previous midterm election, in 2014.

The election also comes amid heightened concern over potential cyberattacks following Russian efforts in 2016 to target state election networks. There have been no indications so far of any significant problems revolving around election security, although state and federal officials say they remain vigilant….

Concerns of voter confusion stemming from last-minute court rulings have arisen in a handful of states, while fliers with inaccurate information about deadlines for absentee ballots have circulated in Missouri and Montana.

The good government group Common Cause is monitoring voting concerns around the country. Its president, Karen Hobert Flynn, said most of the problems reported to date are fairly typical.

“We are waiting to see what else will come out,” she said.

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