"They Did It For Democracy"

What a difference a year makes! At this time last year, Northampton County had egg on its face over a disastrous debut of the Express Vote XL voting system. Many of the machines purchased were improperly aligned at the factory. To make matters worse, they were improperly programmed. Even worse, these issues were missed during logic and accuracy testing performed before the election. The result was long lines, loud complaints and a flurry of court orders throughout the day.  But based on what happened during this year's presidential election, you'd never know we ever had a problem.

The County resolved to improve, and it did. The problems with the XL were quickly sorted out and fixed. Electronic poll books were purchased, which simplify voter check-in. Staff was added in the elections office. Equipment was purchased so that mail-in ballots (MIBs) could be counted more quickly on a scanner. As a result, except for the poor bastard who shot himself at a Washington Tp polling place,the November 3 election went off without a hitch. 

Executive Lamont McClure, in his report to County Council last night, noted the high-end equipment purchased. But he added the real reason for the success is "the blood sweat and tears" of the elections staff who put in 14-16 hour days over several months. 

"They did it for democracy," he said, and added, "We're not the only county who has wonderful people."  

On Election Day, the two Amys (Registrar Amy Cozze and Chief Deputy Amy Hess) were at the courthouse around 5 am. They began counting at 7 am, the earliest time they could start under state law.  They and their staff continued throughout the night and finally were finished at 6 am the next day. 

The significance of what they did is that they gave the public an early indication about how the state as a whole would vote when the numbers are tallied statewide. Northampton County is very much a bellwether county, so its results were very helpful. The quickness also eliminated doubts that have appeared in other counties that are taking things more slowly, 

Registrar Amy Cozze and her staff got a round of applause from Council. I'd like to see them all paid a little more. 

Their work is by no means over. Starting today, approximately 2700 provisional ballots will be examined and accepted or rejected. Both parties will be able to make challenges as they see fit. 

In addition, ballots arriving after November 3 will be counted. That tally will be segregated. Cozze told Council that only a handful of late MIBs have arrived. 

Speaking of getting paid more, McClure noted he has negotiated two-year extensions to four AFSCME bargaining units. Member will see a two per cent raise in year one, followed by a step (4/12%) in year two. 

In other business, Northampton County acquired two major tracts of land in an effort to preserve open space. 

The first of these is the 76.76 acre site of the Hexenkopf witches' covens in Williams Township, where the ghosts of departed Council members appear and howl during full moons. Some of them, like Ron Angle, are still alive. "Some people golf, but this is more fun," he tells me. 

The second acquisition is 91 acres located in Lower Mount Bethel and Washiungton Tps, along Bangor and Upper Little Creek Roads.