Try Out New Voting Machines In Tulsa County Mock Elections

Oklahoma election boards are conducting mock elections this week to finalize training and testing of new voting machines before they're used in a real election. 

All 77 counties are holding the elections, allowing the public to cast ballots so they'll be familiar with the process. 

For voters, the experience is very similar: they'll still be issued a paper ballot, mark their selections and place them in a machine. 

For the mock election, voters are asked to choose a favorite actor, sports team, athlete, musician, treat and historical role model.

See the ballot

Mock elections will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. January 9-13 at the Tulsa County Election Board, 555 North Denver Avenue.

"The best system in the country is getting even better," said Paul Ziriax, the Secretary of the Oklahoma State Election Board.

The new technology tallies ballots more quickly, offers additional security features and remains accurate, officials say.

1/3/2012 Related Story: New Tulsa County Voting Machines Should Speed Up Process

Voters with disabilities may be especially interested in taking advantage of the mock elections this week. The new system has an audio tactile interface that allows voters with disabilities to cast audio versions of ballots.

Tulsa Election Board Secretary Patty Bryant said the old Tulsa County machines were very accurate but outdated and very difficult to repair because replacement parts aren't available. The new machines will also help election officials get results to voters more quickly.

The State of Oklahoma received funding for the upgrade of the state's voting system under the federal Help America Vote Act.

The new machines will be used February 14, 2012, in school and city elections. The 2012 presidential primary election is on March 6.