Judge denies renewed request to ban electronic voting machines

WAILUKU - A judge Monday denied a renewed request by five Maui residents who had sought a preliminary injunction to prevent electronic voting machines from being used in state elections.

While commending the residents for their "active participation in government," 2nd Circuit Judge Joseph Cardoza said, "The damage to the fast-approaching elections would be considerable if this court were to issue preliminary injunctive relief."

Robert Babson Jr., Ann Babson, Joy Brann, Paula Brock and Daniel Grantham sued Chief Elections Officer Kevin Cronin, alleging that proper rule-making procedures were not followed to permit electronic voting machines or the use of Internet and phone lines to transmit results.

Attorney Lance Collins is representing the residents, who asked Cardoza to reconsider his Aug. 13 ruling denying the request for a preliminary injunction.