Hamilton County election officials don't think they can install electronic voting machines in time for the November election, they told Ohio's director of election reform Monday.

"I think it's impossible," Pamela Swafford, the county board's deputy director, said at a special meeting. Dana Walch, state director of election reform, was in town trying to persuade the county elections board to choose a new voting system from among one of four companies.

Hamilton County is one of eight counties - including Cuyahoga and Montgomery - that did not meet a January deadline. The Secretary of State's Office wants the selections to be made quickly so that the state can stay on its timetable that calls for replacing punch-card ballots in most counties by November.

Hamilton elections leaders, however, said they don't see the point in rushing to pick a machine before all security holes have been plugged when the county isn't going to be able to convert this year anyway.

Financial aid help for students

Confused about how to pay for college? A free program Sunday will guide Northern Kentucky families through the financial-aid process. College Goal Sunday takes place 2-4 p.m. at Thomas More College. High-school students and their parents will have a chance to meet with college and high-school counselors for help with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Families should bring their completed 2003 tax returns, or at least W-2s from their employers, to the session. It will be held at Seiler Commons in the Administration Building, 333 Thomas More Parkway, Crestview Hills. Information: (888) 452-7322 or log onto www.kasfaa.com.

Traffic watch

The northbound curb lane of Mason-Montgomery Road will be closed between Irwin Simpson and Socialville Fosters roads in Deerfield Township from 9 p.m. until 6 a.m. nightly through March 23.