Although I live in a country that requires the ability to vote electronically, I am happy to state that in Cook County, IL, I still get a choice. I was pleased that when I went to vote this morning I was presented with the option to vote paper. It's not as easy as punching a punch card anymore--it's done with a huge scantron sheet--but at least there is a verifiable paper trail.
I think what made me happier was the number of people, when presented with the option, either firmly chose paper, or asked "is there some sort of paper verification of my vote with the touchscreen?" Now, that being said, there were a lot of lines to draw on the paper scantron sheet. At one point my laziness kicked in and I was wishing for the touchscreen, but I feel more strongly about the need for a paper trail.
Apparently 90 other people in my precinct before me did, too, as the ballot verification machine had a counter on it.
Amen to that. At least we get a choice and aren't having the immature technology foisted upon us like a lot of the country is.
Choice is always a good thing.
And FWIW, good riddance to punch cards also.