Gonzales Polling Finds O’Malley Should Fund Switch To Paper Ballots

TrueVoteMD.org today highlighted findings from an independent polling firm that found Maryland voters overwhelmingly favor switching from electronic touchscreen voting to voting with a paper ballot. “The poll is consistent with findings over the last four years. Voters want a voting system they can trust. They want to know that a meaningful recount is possible” said Kevin Zeese, a co-founder of TrueVoteMD.org.

The Maryland state legislature is returning for a special session next week to overcome a budget shortfall but TrueVoteMD.org believes the switch to paper ballots should be funded no matter what the special session accomplishes. “The Maryland Department of Legislative Services estimates that the switch to a paper ballot with optical scan readers will cost between $2 and $3 million annually. This is a very small budget item for Maryland. If the foundation of our democracy cannot be adequately funded we are in serious trouble,” said Zeese.

Gonzales Research & Marketing Strategies conducted a telephone survey of Maryland voters last week. The survey found that 64% of voters statewide think that Governor O’Malley should fund the change from touch-screen voting machines to a system that uses paper ballots counted by optical scanners. The survey asked: “Last spring Maryland 's General Assembly voted unanimously to switch from touch screen voting machines to a less expensive system that uses paper ballots counted by optical scanners. This would ensure that votes are recorded as voters intend, and make recounts possible. The change will happen in 2010, but only if funded in next year's budget. Do you think the Governor should, or should not, provide funding for this change?”

Of note is that Governor O’Malley’s political base overwhelmingly supports paper ballots. Gonzales found that 74% of Democrats, and 71% of African Americans favoring funding the switch. In addition, 75% of Independents supported funding the paper ballot bill. Indeed, there is such widespread support that a majority of voters in every region of the state endorse the change.

Linda Schade, the founder of TrueVoteMD.org noted that “implementation of an optical scan system will save the state money. Not only is the op-scan more reliable and provides a paper ballot for meaningful recounts, but it will save the state money very quickly. This is a win-win-win for Governor O’Malley.” Schade added “We were pleased that last month Governor O’Malley said on WYPR that he would do everything he could to fund the bill. Thankfully, Gov. O’Malley understands this issue and the importance of a democracy we can trust."

The survey was paid for by SAVE our Votes, a nonpartisan, nonprofit, grassroots organization working for Secure, Accessible, Verifiable Elections in Maryland. The survey results are posted in full at www.saveourvotes.org.