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OVERVIEW OF TECHNICAL CONCERNS <br /> <br />! <br />! <br /> <br />3. Some years ago, Anoka County Municipalities were eager to change <br /> from the existing voting equipment to punch card equipment. In <br /> the mid-19~Q's, the same Municipalities expressed dismay with <br /> their choice. <br /> <br /> Now some cities are eager to convert to optical scan systems. <br /> While the advantages of scanning equipment have been repeatedly <br /> stated, it is critical to understand the nature of <br /> technology(les) . Are we jumping on another bandwagon at <br /> substantial cost to the taxpayers only to ask to change again in <br /> 5 years or less to another system at additional costs to <br /> taxpayers? What if Unisys or BRC develops a newer election <br /> system and reduces their response and level of service to the <br /> "old" optical scan equipment? Isn't this what some BRC users <br /> are experiencing now with "old" BRC punch card equipment? <br /> <br />With technical changes come associated costs and procedural <br />adjustments that impact operations and personnel. Please be <br />aware that technologies change rapidly, there are always "new <br />kids and toys on the block" There are suggestions even now of <br />terminal-like voting booths whereby voters push buttons for <br />their favorite candidates and issues that electronically and <br />immediately register and tally their votes. <br /> <br />Are the Municipalities going to be unhappy with optical scan in <br />less than 5 years and. want terminal voting, voting from your TV <br />screen, etc? How many vendors will be competing for business'at <br />substantial price breaks in 1991, 1992, 1993...19967 What are <br />the consequences of multiple systems? <br /> <br />Should the County and cities establish long-range election <br />goals, guidelines and a unified approach to elections? <br /> <br />! <br />! <br /> <br />4 of 4 <br /> <br /> <br />