Voters at polling stations in the Lehigh Valley will cast their votes electronically. It's a process that has had its share of problems in the past. WFMZ's Jackie Shutack talked to an electronic voting expert Monday afternoon. She has more now on the plans in place to ensure that your vote counts.  Reporter: Tuesday, Lehigh County Voters will cast their ballots by pressing buttons on electronic voting machines that are the same models as the ones you see here. These out-of-service machines are now used as an educational tool by Lehigh University professor Dr. Daniel Lopresti. 
dr daniel p lopresti/electronic voting expert: "This is the first time we've used this degree of electronic voting for a major election like a presidential election - that combined with the very large turnout we're expecting this year - we really don't know what to expect ." 
Reporter: Like the computers we use at home.. Dr. Lopresti says the voting machines aren't perfect. 
dr daniel p lopresti/electronic voting expert: "Sometimes you turn the machine on and it doesn't boot up all the way - it's sort of dead on arrival." 
Reporter: Electronic voting machines are also capable or freezing, making it possible to miscalculate your vote.
Reporter: When you cast your ballot electronically, it's recorded in computer memory - which - as we all know - isn't 100% reliable - so should this technology fail there is a backup plan in place. >> dr daniel p lopresti/electronic voting expert: "Be aware that if half the machines in the precinct are down, you ought to be given an emergency paper ballot." 
Stacey Sterner/Lehigh County Voter Registration: "We're prepared for it, we're hoping we don't need them, we've had 5 successful elections with the machines." 
Reporter: This new technology wasn't invented to make our lives difficult - it's supposed to speed up the ballot counting process. But in case there are issues...make sure you are prepared to wait a little longer on election day. In Bethlehem, Jackie Shutack, 69 News.

( Video won't play? CLICK HERE for some helpful suggestions )

---

e-mail story | print view | rss feeds | wireless | google desktop | podcast