Change the Rules in the Middle of the Game

Brunner was criticized for placating conspiracy theorists by rushing the implementation of a costly, new voting system

The Columbus Dispatch: The state's chief elections official was adamant in a letter to Congress last summer that a quick voting machine overhaul would be bad for voters. Six months later, she ordered exactly such an overhaul. (“Elections chief preached patience last year on system switch,” John McCarthy, Associated Press, 3/7/08)

FEC Chairman Brad Smith, The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio's elections are not perfect, but voters can rest assured that they will be fair and accurate using the current rules and machinery. One way to make chaos more likely is to implement massive changes on a rush basis. Making real, long-term improvements that are understood by the local officials and poll workers who have to implement them and the voters who have to work with them is not a rush job. (“Ohio needn't rush voting reforms,” Bradley A. Smith, The Columbus Dispatch, 1/18/08)