COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner said Thursday she intends to ask the legislature soon for funding to change the state’s voting system.

It comes despite concerns from state lawmakers about the cost of switching from touch-screen machines to optical scan paper ballots.

Making the change would cost an estimated $64 million.

In an interview with WHIOTV.COM, Brunner said she believes the paper ballots are more secure and offer the best system for possible recounts.

The debate over voting systems in Ohio dates back to the presidential election of 2000.

After the election problems in Florida, the federal government told states to stop using punch cards and start using electronic systems.

Months of hearings and negotiations at the Ohio Statehouse between lawmakers and then-Secretary of State Ken Blackwell led to the purchase of millions of dollars worth of touch-screen machines for use by county board of elections.

In response to a study that pointed out potential problems with touch-screen voting, Brunner began pushing plans to move to paper ballots.

She said she understands taxpayers may be uneasy about the cost.

“If I were a taxpayer, I wouldn’t be happy because we are not asking for more tax dollars to pay for this. But this is not a mess that I created. I am working to clean it up,” Brunner said.

The proposed change has already met with opposition from Rep. Kevin DeWine, R-Fairborn.

Speaking as a legislator and as deputy chairman of the Ohio Republican Party, DeWine has said the current system can be effective, as was seen in the most recent election.

DeWine has also focused on the cost, citing the state’s current budget crunch.

“We have a $64 million to $1.9 billion deficit, depending on who you talk to. Would you rather spend $64 million to continue state services? Part of that $64 million could be spent to keep the Twin Valley Behavioral Health Care Center in Dayton,” DeWine said.

Just recently, Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland announced Twin Valley, a state mental health facility in Dayton, would be closing as a result of budget cuts.

Brunner said she would soon send legislative leaders and Strickland a proposal for changing the voting system to paper ballots, complete with cost estimates.

She said lawmakers would have to approve the funding by June 1 in order to make the changes in time for the November election.

Should the state switch voting systems? To give us your opinion, email 7online@whiotv.com

To see part of our interview with Sec. of State Brunner, Click here.

To see part of our interview with Rep. DeWine, Click Here.

Jim.otte@whiotv.com