Voters Around Georgia Love the New Paper Ballot Voting System
(Atlanta) -- On the first day of early voting in Georgia, voters around the state praised the new secure and verifiable paper ballot system. Georgia voters were particularly happy about the printed paper ballot, which many noted allowed them to verify their vote before submission. Additionally, the system gained wide praise for being easy to use, fast, and reliable.
“I am excited to hear that Georgians like our new system and are confident in the paper ballot process,” said Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. “We waste a lot of time and resources fighting with fringe activists and beating back frivolous lawsuits designed to distract us from our mission of expanding secure voting access. It is good to hear that the voters, the people whose opinions really county, are happy with the new secure paper ballot system.”
Voters around Georgia sounded off on the voting machines after the first day of early voting. More than 17,000 Georgians around the state voted in person on the new machines.
What They Are Saying
Anja Ricks in Atlanta: “I like the backup of a printed ballot.”
Nancy Colling in Buckhead: “Very easy, very simple.”
Felicia Williams in Buckhead: “It definitely went smoother as of right now. I guess we’ll know when they start seeing if there are any malfunctions since it is pretty new. But I think it went pretty smoothly.”
Brian Roskelly of Buckhead: “I thought it was pretty intuitive and it worked well. I have no complaints, really… I think that’s [the printed paper ballot] a nice precaution to make sure the system didn’t mess up and that’s when they scan it. So I felt very comfortable with the process. I haven’t had the experience of the way they used to do it, but I think it works fine.”
Ken Levine in Cobb County: “There’s a psychological component to being able to see right there on the paper and confirm it rather than on the screen. I checked it two or three times and I’m sure others did the same… I think it went well. I think it’s a good system. For me, there’s nothing more important than integrity in our elections.”
Paulette Wicks in DeKalb County: “It was simple… If I had known it was going to be this fast, I probably wouldn't have tried to be here on the first or second day of voting.”
Marissa Evans in Dunwoody: “The paper ballot is a good solution, given all the drama of our elections.”
Atiba Mbiwan in Fulton County: “… Everything went well. And I really appreciated seeing the printed receipt of my choice.”
Steve Roberts in Gwinnett County: “I think my 3-year-old grandson could do it.”
Yolanda Lakes in Muscogee County: “When I walked through the doors I was a little uneasy, I thought this was going to be different and weird but once I got in there everyone was helpful and pointed you in the right direction, and actually the screen was really clear, and the touch screen was sensitive so it was super easy.”
Various Voters to 11alive: Voter 1: “… It’s very simple. 1, 2, 3.” Voter 2: “It went pretty smooth. Actually, I think I like it better than the process we had prior.” Voter 3: “It’s great. It’s easy. And it takes no time. And I suggest get out and vote.” Voter 4: “It does review what you did do on the piece of paper, which is nice. I think that was the key concern that we’ve seen in the past…”
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