Reply #12: PA-Election systems could face problems, official says

[Melissa G]

Election systems could face problems, official says
By Brad Bumsted
STATE CAPITOL REPORTER
Thursday, April 3, 2008


HARRISBURG -- The chairwoman of the House State Government Committee said she is concerned that Pennsylvania's local election systems could face serious problems on April 22 in the face of "staggering" new registrations and a possible record turnout.
"I do not have 100 percent confidence," Rep. Babette Josephs, D-Philadelphia, said Thursday. Her chief concern is whether up to 170,000 new voters, most of them Democrats, will be allowed to vote if they show up without ID or at the wrong polling place.

She's worried about availability of provisional ballots, voting machines working, and whether results will be counted properly in Republican-controlled counties with Democratic-majority cities.

Asked if she gained any confidence as a result of a hearing before her committee yesterday, Josephs said "some."


The Democratic presidential primary between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton marks the first time Pennsylvania's primary has played a critical role in the presidential race since 1976. Pennsylvania also has contests for Congress, the state General Assembly and state row offices.
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/breaking/s_560482.html