State Senate Republicans on the Elections Committee have approved a House bill granting officials the option to hand count ballots instead of using voting machines in upcoming elections.
Committee Chair Wendy Rogers explained why she supports the bill. “I would submit to you that machines cost more for updates and maintenance and upkeep than humans," she said.
But political activist Rivko Knox warned that her experience with hand counts shows even short, simple ballots are prone to human error.
“Can you imagine how long it would take with Arizona’s long and complex ballot? And, by allowing any county to choose to hand count ballots the statewide certification of an election could be significantly delayed,” Knox said.
The bill now moves to the Senate Rules Committee.
