>Also, why can't your national election have a nationally uniform ballot >format? Does it make sense to have each area invent their own novel way to >cast an "X"?

Something to do with our chosen form of government. Powers not specifically delegated to the federal government by the Constitution remain with the states. The federal government could probably mandate a uniform ballot for national elections but it would be very difficult to coordinate the design with thousands of local municipalities who also hold elections on the same day and who have their own idea of what a ballot should look like.

Don't get me wrong, I think the paper and pencil ballot is the best way to go and I think you'll see many changes in our voting system(s) after this fiasco.

BTW, we use the punchcard ballot locally and I haven't heard of any problems. There was a sign at the poll advising voters to check their ballots for complete punching prior to dropping them in the ballot box.