Maui Judge Formalizes Ruling that Bans Electronic Voting
B.J. Reyes Star Bulletin Sep 15 2009A Maui judge has made permanent an oral ruling that bars the state Office of Elections from using electronic voting machines or transmitting election results over the Internet or telephone lines.
Circuit Judge Joseph Cardoza, whose written ruling on the matter was filed Thursday, sided with five Maui plaintiffs who argued the electronic voting methods should have been subject to public hearings through the administrative rule-making process.
Cardoza had issued an oral ruling in May.
How the ruling might affect the 2010 elections was not immediately known.
Chief Election Officer Kevin Cronin said his office was reviewing Cardoza's decision and was not prepared to comment on specifics.
The issue is expected to come up today as the Senate Ways and Means Committee holds an informational briefing on the office's ability to carry out next year's elections under tight budget restraints.
