SOS Candidates: Stall work to replace Louisiana voting machines

By MELINDA DESLATTE, Associated Press

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Candidates for Louisiana secretary of state won't work to replace the state's 10,000 voting machines stalled until after the election, citing allegations of impropriety during the contractor selection.

Republican former Sen. A.G. Crowe, one contender running against GOP Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin, wants the attorney general and legislative auditor to review the bid process.

Republican Rep. Julie Stokes says the vendor search should start over, after claims the secretary of state's office mishandled the process and attempted to manipulate the outcome for the winning bidder.

Democratic candidate Renee Fontenot Free says replacement work should slow until a secretary of state is elected. Republican Rep. Rick Edmonds agreed.

Ardoin, who took over after his boss resigned, says the process was fair. His office is moving forward with the contract.

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