Voting Glitches, Minimized

November 8, 2002

Despite widespread predictions of ballot glitches or other voting irregularities, Tuesday's midterm elections went rather smoothly. That's thanks to recent state reforms and in no small part to poll workers, technicians, and others who were extra diligent this year to ensure a free and fair election.

Especially in Florida.

After that state's embarrassing glitch-filled primary in September, following on the infamous presidential count, fierce determination to make the election run well there paid off. In states that switched to touch-screen voting, such as Maryland, Georgia, and Florida, poll workers and voters adapted well to the new technologies.

Despite all that, a new federal law should help further and expand the gains made so far.