UCC Synod Voting system continues to push delegates? buttons

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

Voting system continues to push delegates' buttons

> Written by Tim Kershner
> July 4, 2011
Given an opportunity for redemption on Monday morning, the new 
General Synod electronic voting system showed some promise but has 
yet to achieve a state of grace with many delegates.
But given the chance to opt-out and return to paper voting cards, 
delegates responded with a resounding "No," determined to keep trying 
to make the system work. This vote, though, was by voice, not electronic.
Following a pre-meeting re-orientation to the white voting keypads, 
sample votes were taken and appeared successful. Even two votes 
related to UCC finances went smoothly. However, a vote on a "Mutual 
Recognition of Baptism" was met with the familiar calls of "it's not working."
Debbie Manly, a delegate from the Wisconsin Conference, stated what 
may have been was on the minds of many delegates. "I came here to 
have a voice in voting, in the whole time that [voting slide on the 
plenary hall screen] was up, I pushed this five times and it's not 
working after five times."
Given the continuing issues with the voting system, Douglas Fauth, 
also from Wisconsin, suggested that the moderator make certain all 
delegate votes were recorded after close of voting. "There should be 
an opportunity for us to raise hands and acknowledge problems."
After some discussion during the morning presentations, Associate 
General Minister Edith Guffey acknowledged that electronic voting is 
necessary for smooth business, but gave delegates a choice to 
continue using the new system. "It's important for all to feel their 
votes are counted." She offered to make electronic voting a "gift to 
the next General Synod." Delegates responded no.
Assistant Moderator the Rev. Patricia Aurand announced that voting 
will be both electronic and by hand to assure delegates that their 
votes are properly counted.
With no additional actions coming to the floor, the afternoon 
sessions will be the next opportunity to finally determine if 
electronic voting is an interesting experiment or the way of the future.
>