Bedford Park Seniors Test New Voting Machines

A woman at the Bedford Park Multi Service Center feeds her test ballot into a new scanning machine, which the Board of Elections will use for the first time this year (Photo by Jeanmarie Evelly)

Voters hitting the polls in state elections this fall won't have any levers to pull this time. The State Board of Elections has traded in the old machines for a new voting system, debuting in New York on Sept. 14 during the Democratic primary.

The Bedford Park Multi Service Center for Seniors hosted a demonstration this morning to teach seniors how to use the new machines. Voters are given new paper ballots to fill in by hand, using a pen and coloring in a bubble for the candidate of their choice, much like a high school standardized test. They then bring their ballots over to a scanner and insert them into the machines to cast their votes.

The changes were put in place to comply with a federal law enacted after the confusion of the 2000 election, and New York is the very last state to make the switch. Still, patrons at the Bedford Park Center were resistant to the change.

"I'm afraid of computers," said Millie Gilliamsen. "But I'll adjust."

Bronx News Roundup: Nov. 4

Happy Election Day! Let's get to the news.

Bronx Elections Commisioner J.C. Polanco says his office is expecting record turnout with 715,000 new voters registered in New York City. He also says they're prepared for it. Based on Jordan's earlier post, we'll see.

The Inner City Press Web site just posted about voting troubles in the South Bronx.

The Attorney General set up a hotline for voting problems. Bronxites having problems should call, (718) 254-7000.

An interesting story in the Times about the half dozen closely contested State Senate Races that will decide which party takes the majority, which Republicans have held for decades. Also in the article, some intriguing in-fighting amongst the Democratic leadership. Bronx State Senator Ruben Diaz, Jr. says he's forming a caucus that might side with Republicans if current Democratic leader Malcolm Smith (Queens) decides to pursue same-sex marriage legislation. Meanwhile, up-and-coming Senate Minority Leader Jeff Klein, reportedly a fundraising star, says he'll support Smith as majority leader if the Dems take control of the Senate.

Daily News Bronx Chief Bob Kappstatter has an imaginary conversation with former New York City Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia (he's a fan of Bloomberg's term limits move), ruminates about Maria Baez's re-election prospects (they're not bad) and exposes Councilman Jimmy Vacca for his egregious flip-flop in supporting the mayor's term limits extension.

Produce business owner John Caggiano was sentenced to prison for running a gambling ring out of Hunt's Point Market for the Genovese crime family.

Bronxites play the name game a little differently than other boroughs. Jayden was the number one name in 2007 for Bronx boys. Ashley garned top spot among Bronx girls.

Vote!

First and foremost, you can find out where to vote by clicking here.

Plus, here's some helpful hints from NYC Voter's Assistance Commission:

The NYC Voter Assistance Commission (VAC) reminds you that Election Day is this Tuesday,November 4th. Voting is quick, easy, and important! You can find your poll site by calling 311 or

visiting www.nyc.gov and take part in the 2008 election to have your voice heard. In New York, polls are open from 6 am to 9 pm.

To ensure New Yorkers are prepared to cast their votes on Election Day, VAC has a few pointers:

• Save Time – Know your District

To save time, write down your Assembly District and Election District and bring it with you on

Election Day. This information can be found on the registration confirmation card sent to you by the Board of Elections after you registered and on the information card also sent to you by the Board of Elections prior to the primary elections. Please call 311, the Board of Elections hotline at 1-866-VOTE-NYC (866-868-3692), your local Borough Board of Elections, or visit www.nyc.gov to locate this information.

• Ask for Help

If you do not know how to vote, you can ask for help. If you do not understand English, the City’s

Board of Elections provides help in Spanish, and, depending on the location of your poll site,

Chinese and Korean. You can also bring information in your native language into the voting booth.

If you have a disability, a Ballot Marking Device (BMD) will be available at each poll site.

• Bring ID

If your identification was verified through your New York State voter registration form prior to

Election Day, you will not have to provide identification when you vote. If you are not sure, please bring an acceptable identification. Acceptable IDs include: a valid photo ID, a current utility bill, bank statement, government check or some other government document that shows your name and address. If you still do not have identification, you will be asked to vote by affidavit ballot (paper ballot), instead of on the machine. Your identity will then be checked and your vote will be counted if you are found to be properly registered.

• Leave Campaign Materials at Home

State law prohibits people from electioneering or bringing political posters, placards, buttons and

other campaign-related materials to poll-sites or within 100-feet of poll site entrances. So when you come out to vote on Election Day, make sure you leave these materials at home or you may not be admitted to your poll site.

• Absentee Ballot Deadline

Absentee ballots for the upcoming General Election must be postmarked no later than November 3rd. They may also be delivered by hand to the home borough office for a voter who is unable to vote at the polls because of an accident or illness, no later than 9 pm on November 4th, Election Day. The five Board of Elections Borough Offices will be open for extended hours from October 20th through November 3rd to accommodate Absentee Ballots being delivered in person.

For questions on absentee ballots call 866-VOTE-NYC or 212-868-3692.

To find out where your poll site is located please visit www.nyc.gov or call 311. New Yorkers can also call or visit their local New York City Board of Elections office in the five boroughs.