STORY SUMMARY>>>
State lawmakers are taking steps to ensure there's no delay with this year's primary and general elections, which features a bevy of notable races including a vote for governor.
Because of a legal challenge on Maui the selection of a voting machine system was put on hold for several months, causing a certain level of anxiety at the Office of Elections.
Causing further concern is the possibility that another challenge by a voting machine vendor could further delay the process. To prevent that from happening lawmakers hope to waive the normal procurement process through emergency legislation – House Bill 1901.
“The reason for this bill is to ensure that the general election of 2010 is not impeded by litigation regarding the procurement of election equipment,” State Attorney General Mark Bennett told lawmakers at a Friday hearing before the House Finance Committee.
Bennett said almost without question the voting machine vendor which loses a bid files a protest with the State Procurement Office, which also ends up in court.
“Anytime there's a protest,” explained acting Elections Chief Scott Nago, “there is a stay placed on our abilities to plan for the election. So we can't plan (and) we have to stop working with the vendor. This bill would allow us to continue to plan for the election.”
House Finance Chairman Marcus Oshiro has scheduled decision making on HB 1901 on Tuesday at 1:30 p.m.
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