Security Cameras To Keep A Close Eye On Paper Ballots

Security Cameras To Keep A Close Eye On Paper Ballots


Posted by: Stefan Mychajliw, Reporter Created: 9/12/2005 9:28:16 PM Updated: 9/13/2005 8:00:17 PM

A number of people called the Erie County Board of Elections over the past few days, wanting to know what steps are being taken to protect the integrity of the September Primary, considering many people will vote using paper ballots.

"We've had a number of inquiries of how secure the ballots are going to be," said Republican Erie County Board of Elections Commissioner Ralph Mohr.

The Erie County Board of Elections decided to use the help of the Erie County Sheriff�s Department as well as security video cameras to make sure those paper ballots aren�t tampered with.

"The camera will provide the round-the-clock surveillance and security," said Democratic Erie County Board of Elections Commissioner Dennis Ward.

Every single paper ballot will be brought to the Erie County Board of Elections on Eagle Street in downtown Buffalo.

They will be stored in a back room on the third floor. Security cameras will videotape both inside and just outside the room.

"As we're going back 100 years in method of voting, we're using modern technology to preserve the integrity of the ballots," added Mohr.

"Everyone here will know that there's a camera monitoring the approach to the room in which the ballots will be stored," said Erie County Sheriff Tim Howard. There is only one key that can open that door. The key will be given to one Erie County Sheriff�s Deputy.

That deputy will open the door only at the request of both Election Commissioners.

"There's only one room with only one lock on the door.There's no one getting in that room," added Ward.

"Keys will be under the control of the Sheriff's Department. That deputy will retain the key. And only that deputy will open the door. I'm confident that the system they have is adequate," added Sheriff Howard.

Using paper ballots for the General Election in November will not be adequate when it comes to declaring official winners.

As far as the September Primary is concerned, an official winner may not be declared in close races using paper ballots until mid-October. The anticipated outcome is much worse if paper is used in November.

"If we had to go to paper for the General Election, I would not hesitate to say we'll be in the middle of February still counting, trying to determine who the winners are for that election," said Mohr.