With the 2014 elections fast approaching, it’s imperative that the Guam Election Commission moves with urgency to address its outdated equipment. The 2012 elections made it clear that the island’s current tabulating machines are old and falling apart. During the 2012 General Election, the Election Commission had problems with at least three of its four tabulators. Those problems drew attention to the age of the machines. The four tabulators are based on technology from the 1980s. It’s time for the Election Commission to move forward with its primary focus on updating equipment and technology. GEC Executive Director Maria Pangelinan said the commission is expecting to announce an invitation for bids for new tabulators by next month. Pangelinan and the commission need to ensure that these new tabulators fit the needs of our community and come with the appropriate support and regular maintenance.
Pangelinan says the commission also is working to revise its manual for precinct officials, updating certain processes and meeting other requirements of the election reform law, Public Law 31-255, which was passed December 2012.
This will also be the first local election since the 2012 reform law placed a three-year prohibition on ballot initiatives that are similar to initiatives that already were defeated by voters. The change was in response to several failed attempts in recent elections to approve some form of legalized gambling at the Greyhound Park.
Full Article: Urgent: It’s time for GEC to update election equipment, policies | Pacific Daily News | guampdn.com.