NEWS BRIEFS
County purchases voter assistance terminals

The Chesterfield County General Registrar's office has purchased 70 AutoMark Voter Assist Terminals for voters with disabilities, vision impairments or problems marking a ballot. The AutoMARK is a touch-screen and audio device that will mark an optical scan ballot. When a ballot is inserted into the AutoMARK, it appears on the screen along with instructions. The AutoMARK screen can adjust text size and contrast.

AutoMARK users also can receive audio instructions and navigate by using a control on the side of the unit. The audio control pad is marked with Braille for visually impaired voters. Once the ballot choices have been made, the AutoMARK machine will mark the voter's choices on the ballot and return it to the voter for insertion into the optical scan counter.

Disabled voters in the county will have their first opportunity to use the AutoMARK machines at the general election on Tues., Nov. 7.

For more information about voting or to practice on the AutoMARK, contact the general registrar's office at 748-1471 or visit www.chesterfield.gov and click on "Voter Information" under "Government & Officials."

Polling place changes

Two polling locations in Chesterfield County are being relocated for the election:

The Bellwood polling place in the Bermuda District is being moved from Perrymont Middle School to First Baptist Church Centralia, 2920 Kingsdale Road.

The Cranbeck polling place in the Midlothian District is being moved from the Greenfield Community Association to Grace Brethren Church, 2420 Cranbeck Road.

All registered voters in both precincts are being notified about the changes by mail and will receive updated voter registration cards.

For directions to the new polling places or additional information about voting, call the Chesterfield County General Registrar's office at 748-1471 or visit www.chesterfield.gov and then click on "Registrar" under "County Departments."

Woman arrested for child's death

Chesterfield County Police have arrested Elizabeth P. Noakes, 41, in connection with the death of a 16-month-old boy. The child was in her care at the time of his death. The incident occurred on Oct. 18 in the 2400 block of Corryville Terrace. Noakes is charged with involuntary manslaughter and is being held in the Chesterfield County jail without bond.

Crash kills elderly woman

The Chesterfield County Police Department is investigating a two-vehicle crash that killed one woman and injured two other people. The crash occurred at the intersection of Robious and Cranbeck roads at about 11:25 a.m. on Oct. 12.

Police said the driver of a 1988 Ford Taurus was traveling south on Cranbeck Road when it was struck by a 1988 Mazda MX-6 that was traveling west on Robious Road. The driver and passenger of the Ford were transported to VCU Medical Center. The driver, Margaret K. Sutherland, 79, of the 10500 block of Jason Road, later died as a result of her injuries. The passenger sustained serious injuries. The driver of the Mazda was taken to CJW Medical Center with minor injuries.

Police continue to investigate this crash.