As county officials work to change voting systems to comply with state and federal regulations, U.S. Rep. Michael Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) announced on Wednesday his intention to file a bill that would extend the deadline for compliance from May to November.

Counties will lose promised federal funding if they do not adhere to the deadline, Centre County commissioners' chairman Chris Exarchos said.

"We are under the gun for the May primary," he added.

Centre County will receive $900,000 to help offset the $1.5 million needed to make the transition from the uncertified punch card machines to electronic voting machines, Exarchos said.

"The bill would make a great difference for Centre County if done in a timely manner," he said. "As long as we get some action before February 14, then [Centre County] can use the current punch card system for the primaries, then make the transition for the November elections."

As part of the 2002 Help America Vote Act, states must certify voting systems and counties are required to choose an arrangement to replace uncertified systems.

The federal government aids the process by paying at least half of the cost of replacing the old systems, Chris Tucker, spokesman for U.S. Rep. John Peterson (R-Pa.) said.

Most counties across Pennsylvania and the nation are unable to raise the amount of money needed to comply with the federal law, Tucker said.

"In Centre County, the commissioners can raise the money, but aren't comfortable with the systems Harrisburg has approved because they don't include any sort of technology for a paper trail," he added.

The bill can not be introduced until the House is back in session on Jan. 31. Until that time, Fitzpatrick is working to gain support for the bill from other Pennsylvania representatives, Jeff Urbanchuk, spokesman for Fitzpatrick said.

"The congressman believes that the localities should not be punished if they are acting in good faith to comply with federal laws," Urbanchuk said.

An extended deadline would reduce the pressure and give Centre County time to research and explore the different options, Exarchos said.

The state has not had time to certify all systems and the possibility exists that an extended deadline would provide the time needed for direct electronic voting machines to be certified with a paper trail, Exarchos added.

Direct electronic voting machines, which feature touch screen, with a paper trail are the ideal system for Centre County, Exarchos said.

"Something needs to be done," Tucker added. "Frankly, the issue is much broader than Centre County. It is a state-wide and national issue."