House Goes Low-Tech Voting

Computers rule the world--and the House as a computer malfunction today threw the House of Representatives into a frenzy when the voting computer stopped working. On the heels of last nights debacle, the glitch was not welcome:

The House's electronic voting system malfunctioned at approximately 2pm as lawmakers began a vote on a procedural motion sponsored by Rep. Heather Wilson (R-N.M.). Projectors that usually display how each member voted and show a tally of votes were not working, although votes were still being recorded on computers at various locations in the House chamber.

The mishap came during the final two days of legislative activity before a month-long recess, a time when tensions run high as lawmakers grind out last-minute agreements on a bevy of bills. Many lawmakers were already agitated from a rancorous episode last night when Rep. Michael R. McNulty (D-N.Y.) gaveled closed a vote before the tally was clear. McNulty apologized to his colleagues this morning.

The broken computers prompted protracted squabbles among lawmakers Friday afternoon. Rep. David Dreier (R-Calif.) questioned how they could vote if they were unable to see the usual tally. Lawmakers are accustomed to seeing how their colleagues are voting while they mull their own decision.

Conspiracy theorists will not doubt link the two events, and I must admit, something does smell fishy in the House.

Fortunately, the Clerk's office has a month to make sure the thing is working after the House recesses for the next month in its traditional summer break.