The conclusion reached was predetermined by the State Board of Elections because the only systems it allowed to be studied were prototypes.

The most widely used, time-tested and economical type of voting system that provides voter verification, access for the disabled and the ability to conduct recounts was not part of the study.

This is the optical-scan voting system, which was used in 19 counties in Maryland for decades before those areas were forced to switch to paperless, touch-screen machines.

Maryland's present voting system is riddled with security vulnerabilities and does not allow for reliable recounts or audits.

A broad array of respected citizen groups, including the NAACP, Common Cause, the American Civil Liberties Union, the National Organization for Women, the Sierra Club, the League of Women Voters, Progressive Maryland and several labor unions testified in favor of voter-verified paper ballot legislation later that afternoon at a packed hearing.

But The Sun failed to cover the real story.