"They reality is that we have 70% of our voters use a punch card system that I tried to change and that bipartisan resistance in the legislature stopped"

In this quote, Kenneth Blackwell, a previous Secretary of State of Ohio, highlights a controversial issue relating to ballot systems, especially focusing on the use of punch card systems. By breaking down the quote, we can explore the more comprehensive ramifications of his statement.

Firstly, Blackwell explains that a substantial majority-- 70%-- of voters were using a punch card system at the time he referenced. Punch card ballot systems have traditionally been slammed for their prospective mistakes and issues, the majority of infamously highlighted during the 2000 U.S. presidential election recount in Florida. These systems can lead to uncertainties, such as "hanging chads", where the punched card isn't totally perforated, causing difficulties in vote tallying and in some cases disenfranchisement of citizens.

Blackwell mentions his efforts to change this system, showing a recommendation of the problems related to punch cards and revealing a desire to improve or enhance the ballot procedure. His effort suggests a recognition of the need for a more dependable, transparent, and current ballot infrastructure to ensure fair and accurate elections.

The referral to "bipartisan resistance in the legislature" stopping his efforts reveals the intricacies typically involved in electoral reform. Introducing changes to voting systems can be politically delicate, as various parties may perceive such modifications as helpful or adverse to their interests. Resistance, even in a bipartisan form, may originate from issues over costs, the readiness of innovation replacements, or merely strategic political factors to consider.

In general, Blackwell's quote highlights the difficulties of electoral reform in a politically divided environment. It indicates the interplay between technological adequacy, political will, and systemic inertia in the adaptation and improvement of democratic procedures. The resistance he came across highlights the need for consensus-building and collaborative policymaking to address concerns that impact the integrity and efficacy of elections.