Change, as they say, is difficult. The introduction of the new voting-machine process in Fulton County compromises our privacy and our cherished secret ballot of the past.

The so-called private "kiosk" where one may mark the ballot does little to accommodate those who are handicapped.A small paper sign designates the spot, but no chair is provided for anyone who has difficulty standing for the length of time it takes to read the ballot and appropriately mark the boxes.Once you have marked the ballot, the next step is scanning the ballot in an open area for anyone to glance and see how you have marked the ballot. How is that for our right to a secret ballot?

The ballot is flawed. The printing on the ballet is too light for those who are visually challenged. The boxes are barely outlined so you can see to fill them in. The ballot is a two-sided ballot, and it would be more efficient as a one-sided instrument.

A lot of tweaking needs to be done before the next time an election is held. First and foremost, we need privacy and secrecy at all of our polling places.That is the American way.

BARBARA R. DEPOWEL

Gloversville