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New software could prevent error with elections

The clear ballot technology allows counties to verify every single vote in a much shorter time period
New election auditing software

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- It's touted as a way to prevent error in Florida elections. It's called Clear ballot technology. The software verifies every single vote - a lot quicker - and proponents claim it's full proof.

In last week's primary, Leon County counted 45,319 votes. State law only requires them to check up to 40% of ballots for validity, according to Leon County Supervisor of Elections Ion Sancho. But, Clear Ballot software allowed them to check 100% instantly.

The software even breaks down potential problems, like improperly marked votes. Marks that could have caused the ballots to be discounted.

This technology prevents elections staff from shuffling through thousands of ballots to find these issues. It identifies them in seconds, then the canvassing board reviews them. So far, only four Florida counties use it.

After asking Sancho what would you say if someone tried to question a Leon County election, he responded: 'Well, I would say that you better have a really good lawyer and you like to waste your money because we with this system can go into any judge and prove the veracity of the voting system."

The software costs more than 40,000 dollars and a yearly support fee. But, an analysis shows it could be cheaper than the staff hours used to count the ballots.

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