I really don't like the electronic voting machines.
The primary reason is that it is impossible to do any kind of recount/vote verification using an electronic machine.
All I can do is ask the machine to reprint the same report. Having two exact copies of a report does not indicate whether the report is accurate. It just demonstrates that the machine is capable of accurately reproducing any error multiple times.
With the paper ballots I can, and have, sat down with a team and manually recounted ballots. It serves as an accurate, but unwieldy permanent record of how the voting went.
As long as the state keeps the cast ballots (usually several years), recounts can be made.
Newer technology is not always an improvement. Some problems can and should be accomplished with older and more stable technology. In my opinion, voting is one of them.
One thing I do not agree with concerning paper/physical ballots is the concept of voting officials trying to determine voter intent (aka hanging chads).
Unless the ballot is clearly marked/punched/filled out, the ballot should not be counted. Election officials should not be put in a position of trying to interpret voter intention.
