Question...

[livvy]

Is anyone aware of any Michigan precincts that hand count their ballots? I think we are all optiscans, but I thought I'd just double-check here.

[Demeter]

1. When We Have Write-In Candidates, We Have To

The Diebold machines don't sort the write-ins into the separate compartment reliably, so we had to sort through all the ballots to locate the write-ins, identify the valid write-ins, record all the variations in spelling the valid write-ins, count them, and it took a good hour after the close of polls.

[jimlup]

2. Dosn't matter... write-ins will be discarded...

The current law is that unless a candidate registers as a write-in (none did) then the election inspectors are directed to IGNORE write-ins. This is something I'm certain of. My wife is currently an election precint chairperson.

[livvy]

3. I'm not referring to the write-in portion of the ballot.

What I was trying to find out is if there were any polling places/precincts that hand count all the paper ballots rather than using the optiscans to do the counting.
I don't think there are, but I thought I'd check.

edited because I either can't spell, or my fingers have lost contact with the brain!

[jimlup]

4. Guess I was hoping for something I could answer...

but I'm sure all of Ann Arbor are Diebolt machines. I have a vague memory that there was a state law that required uniform ballots and counting meaning all of them are diebolt scanners? Anybody remember?

[livvy]

5. There are 3 types of optiscans used in Michigan.

Currently in use are the Diebold ACCU Vote, ES&S M 100, and about 28 counties use the Sequoia Optech. Each polling place also has at least 1 ES&S Automark for disabled voters if they choose to use it. The machines used are really mixed throughout the state.

You could be right about the uniform ballot ruling. I can't remember either, but it does ring a bell.

Thanks for responding! :)

[noamnety]

6. I was glad to see that posted at the polls

very prominently at the table where we got the ballots, there was a sign saying No Write Ins Will Be Counted, I forget if that was the exact wording but it was very clear.