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SOE to unveil county’s new voting system

October 8, at Sarasota Municipal Auditorium and October 9, at Venice Community Center, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

SARASOTA, August 27, 2007 – Sarasota County’s new voting system will be formally introduced to the public at a pair of open houses scheduled for Monday, October 8 and Tuesday, October 9, Supervisor of Elections Kathy Dent announced today.
The optical scan voting system, manufactured by Premier Election Solutions, formerly known as Diebold Election Systems, Inc., and the AutoMARK ™ Voter Assist Terminal, for use by voters who are visually impaired or disabled, will be introduced at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium on Monday, October 8, and at the Venice Community Center on Tuesday, October 9.
Both events, which will feature a simulated polling room and offer information about absentee ballots and early voting, poll workers and voter registration, are open to the public 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.  There will be a session for accredited media at 1 p.m. each day and a special session for poll workers only from 2 to 4 p.m. both Monday and Tuesday. 
In addition to the open houses, demonstrations on the new systems will be offered in all three SOE offices in Sarasota, Venice and North Port beginning Monday, September 17.
The new system will be used for the first time in the countywide election, scheduled for Tuesday, November 6.
“As with any new system, it is critical that the voters make every effort to become familiar and comfortable with the optical scan system prior to going to the polls on Election Day,” Ms. Dent said.  “I encourage all Sarasota County voters to take advantage of these opportunities before the November 6 election.”
To schedule a demonstration of the new system for an association or club, or for more information, voters may call the supervisor of elections office at 941-861-8610. Voters are also encouraged to visit the SOE Web site at www.srqelections.com for election dates and information on voter registration, requesting and voting absentee ballots, early voting, and poll worker duty.