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June 2, 2007

New probate judge ready for her first election

By Evan Belanger

With low turnout numbers anticipated, newly elected Probate Judge Leah Patterson-Lust says Tuesday’s special election — her first — will be a good gauge of any changes that may be needed before the ’08 presidential election.

As of Friday, she reported all preparations for the election appeared to be going smoothly. After inspecting all 54 of the county’s polling places, she said all were at least adequate to comply with the Help America Vote Act, but some changes may be needed later.

In addition, she all poll workers had attended election school and had been trained to operate new ballot-marking machines designed for special-needs voters.

“Before my involvement here, I was not aware of the days and days of work and the weeks and weeks of preparation that go into each election,” she said.

Patterson-Lust also said she was pleased with the Syscom voting system utilized in Alabama. Even when paper jams occur, she said, poll workers can tell if the ballot was counted or not.

To voters, Patterson-Lust said her office will open at 6 a.m. election day and remain open until all of the polls close. She instructed anyone with questions, concerns or complaints to call the probate office at 775-4805.

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