SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — New technology at the polls this year just wasn’t enough to get voters to cast their ballots.
The Onondaga County Board of Elections recently rolled out new scanning devices for election day. These devices were predicted to speed up the voting process. The fast pace technology was intended to accelerate waiting times at the polls, but no lines this year was a bit of a shock.
Blessed Sacrament School is one of several locations in Onondaga that has held polling for years. Faithful poll worker, Genie Fenesy was surprised by the attendance.
“This is my 18th year,” Fenesy said “I’ve seen better.”
There are new editions to technology systems at the polls every year. The pad poll system has become second nature to the staff.
“They come in and we sign them in according to their last name,” Fenesy said.
The scanning device, however, was the main character this year.
“The ballot machines are awesome” Fenesy said “As far as the election workers, it’s so much easier and things just move right along.”
Though new technology provided a more seamless experience, the need for better attendance was evident. But despite slow moving polling stations, a mother from Syracuse came out to vote with her eight-month-old son.
“He’s probably not going to remember this first time but we’re going to bring him every November,” Theresa McNulty said.
The mother of three said making sure the voices of her children are heard is why she comes out to the polls. Every November, she plans to vote for what she says will shape the future of her children and her baby boy Sonsae.
