Plenty of confusing logic has surfaced in regard to selecting a company to provide touch screen voting machines for the county.

On the one hand, the county commissioners, on a 2-1 vote, opted to select a company to provide 535 voting machines for county precincts in time for the spring primary election, apparently without having all provisions of a contract ironed out. Having tipped its hand, it would seem the county has reduced its bargaining power in regard to terms of the contract.

Commissioner Glenn Anderson cast the negative vote, correctly describing the selection process as "odd."

But then Anderson injected his own questionable logic, contending that the county shouldn't commit to a full conversion to an electronic voting system immediately. Why would the county want to prolong any confusion voters might have with the new system?

A new system should be implemented all at once, and any problems encountered should be dealt with immediately, to provide for "smooth sailing" in ensuing elections.

Another example of questionable logic on Anderson's part is his apparent willingness to jeopardize nearly $900,000 in federal funds that are targeted to come to the county for the conversion to the electronic system. He said his intent is to save money. However, how would losing $900,000 and requiring the county to eventually have to pay the full cost of electronic voting save the county money?

The county's current financial obligation connected with the voting change is estimated to be about $700,000, rather than the $1.6 million it would be without the federal money.

At the same time, Anderson is ignoring county election bureau director Regis Young's thinking that the outgoing punch card system wouldn't meet the new federal certification standards.

A consortium of counties that includes Butler is negotiating with the company in question, and the local commissioners contend they still can rescind their decision, if they choose — which would confuse the situation even more.

It is to be hoped that whatever the final decisions on electronic voting, the voters won't be victimized by the troubling logic of wanting to stay home.