DENVER -- Denver elections officials are pulling the plug on electronic voting machines. They are going back to paper ballots.

They are also going back to 190 precinct polling locations, instead of the 55 voting centers used in 2006.

Those voting centers were designed for convenience, allowing residents to vote anywhere, not just in their neighborhood. But many argue those voting centers just made things a mess, causing long lines and chaos. 

So this year you'll vote like you used to, near your home.

The elections division also changed the ballot, making it more readable.

"We basically threw everything out and started from scratch," said new Denver Elections Director Michael Scarpello.   The changes come as a result of election debacles in 2006. Ballot issues left some candidates wondering who won, and electronic voting machine issues created long lines.

"One of the biggest problems with the machines is that we didn't have enough of them, and thus there were lines," said Scarpello.

The new elections division has also doubled the number of voting booths, from 1,200 in 2004 to 2,600 this year. 

The move is not without its critics. Some say going back to paper ballots will only create bigger issues.    "We weighed the costs against the benefits, and we felt that having less risk was worth moving back.  You know, sometimes simpler is better," said Scarpello.

The elections division said the Aug. 12 primary will be a good test run for the general election in November.

The elections division also said it has saved about $300,000 by purchasing used polling booths for $10 a piece rather than new ones for $220 a piece. Election officials are hoping the expenses pay off in the long run.