Dear Mr. Loper,

I would like to respond to the letter from the Crozet Precinct voter who was concerned about the operation of the vote selection buttons on the AVC Advantage voting machine.

First, I would like to assure you that every piece of voting equipment used in Albemarle County is programmed, tested for accuracy, and sealed prior to each election. This process is performed by an established voting equipment sales and servicing organization that serves approximately 1/3 of the localities in Virginia.

I would also like to assure you the results posted in the Crozet precinct for both proposed constitutional amendments were consistent with the returns throughout the County and do not appear to indicate a voting irregularity. Six voting machines were in use at the Crozet Precinct on November 7 with a range of 438 - 578 voters utilizing each of those machines. Ms. Fife's letter to your organization is the only concern we have heard voiced regarding the operation of that equipment.

To provide additional information regarding the operation of the equipment: The vote selection buttons located next to each name or response on the face of the voting machine operate as on/off switches. Voters make their selection by pressing this button, causing a green arrow to appear next to their selection. When a voter inadvertantly presses a wrong selection or wishes to change his/her mind after making a choice, the voter must then
press the same button, effectively "turning off" their initial selection, and allowing them to "turn on" an alternate selection. Pressing another button without first "turning off" the initial selection will have no effect. The initial choice will remain lighted until an action is taken to rescind that choice.

Therefore, it appears the voter was instructed correctly by the Officer of Election attending the voting machine to press the selection she had made to disengage that switch and to press the button next to her choice and engage the proper switch. From the information provided, it does not appear there was a voting irregularity in the Crozet Precinct.

However, I am glad to be presented with this opportunity to further educate voters on the operation of the electronic voting equipment used in Albemarle County. Thank you for your interest in the local electoral process.

Respectfully,

Jackie C. Harris
Albemarle County General Registrar (electronic mail, November 29, 2000).