So I could buy a proprietary device to read a proprietary format (which I also have to purchase) which will be obsolete in 3 years, or I can buy a physical book and still have it (perfectly readable!) in 25 years?

Er...thanks, Amazon, but I'll pass. Give me a book made 'o paper. (May as well buy a hardcover. Paperbacks are so expensive anymore that I feel ripped off spending 8 bucks on something that disposable.)

Given the state of the Euro-zone, you might want to look into alternate payment options.

Call your local university and ask this question of someone in the anthropology department. Someone who specializes in cultural anthropology.

Anthropologists study different cultures with the same intensity as your average Slashdotter studying operating systems and programming languages. Few others are as well-equipped to answer this question...

...but the election officials will fight change tooth-and-nail.

Is it because they find it to be a valuable tool?

Is it because the technology does something that no other product or process can?

Or maybe because they get free stuff (i.e. bribes) from Diebold to stay where they are?

Nope. They just don't want to have to learn anything new.

Any change in the processes & technology will be achieved against the wishes of the election officials who should be working for our interests but instead are seeking the easiest path.

A (thankfully FORMER) elections official.

Don't ask Slashdot, ask yourself:

    "What would the BOFH do in my position?"

Then profit.

I'd rather have a sonic screwdriver any day of the week...