Many states have gone to using <a href=http://www.cirque.com/uploads/products/touch_screen_panel.html>touch screen panel</a> polls in their voting. However, for many, they are simply too unpredictable to trust when it comes to important voting decisions. While <a href=http://www.cirque.com/uploads/products/touchpad.html>touchpad</a> technology may be well utilized in the grocery stores, your favorite retail hang out or at the local library, it seems that it might not have a permanent place in the upcoming election.

After the 2000 election we may all recall that there was a recount. At this time, Congress provided a lot of money to replace the old punch card and lever-operated machines. These new machines promised to get rid of human error and any type of tampering. Unfortunately, these machines simply brought new problems of their own.

From votes simply vanishing to vulnerability to hackers, breakdowns and malfunctions, these machines were not the savior that the American people cried for after the drama of the election. The unfortunate problems with these machines have now caused dumps to become filled with the leftovers. There are many states hanging onto the machines in the hopes that one day the technology may be called upon again.  Maybe one day, we will be able to make them as reliable and useful as our favorite self-checkout lines.

So, this year, instead of the coveted and popular touch screen we are going back in time to paper ballots again. However, paper ballots are not without their own problems, including increased costs associated with printing. A lot of money was spent to hopefully update the election process; it is an unfortunate reality that instead of helping the problem the result was more frustration and lost hope.

It seems more and more people are going the mail-in ballot route. This allows them to receive the ballot at home and process at their convenience, rather than making a stop at the local voter booth. With the increased use of touch screen technology it is possible that more people would have to take the time to go to a registered voting area rather than receiving the information in the mail. The inconvenience, for many, might not be worth it.

Further, if people feel that their vote isn't going to count due to faulty technology why would they head to the polls? We all want to feel that we are making a difference, that our opinion counts and that we will be heard. However, if, as many say, these machines are riddled with problems then the American people may start to lose the will to participate. Officials must continue to look for safe, reliable ways to ensure voters that the vote they are casting gets counted. On the other hand, exciting technology may reach voters that may not vote otherwise. Perhaps in the future we can reach a happy medium as they work to perfect the technology.

I think it is safe to say that many people that have avoided voting in the past will be casting a vote this election season. Opinions are running high as November 4th approaches and I'm sure many are speculating about what kinds of problems this election season might bring with it. Whether you decide to vote at home and mail in your ballot or drop it off at a nearby location, your vote will matter in this heated election season.