Americans! Defend Your Right to Vote!

[chequita guevara]

Call your representitive and demand that they support The Voter Confidence and Increased Accessibility Act of 2003 (H.R. 2239).

http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c108:H.R.2239:

http://holt.house.gov/display2.cfm?id=6282&type=Home

This act "requires all voting systems to produce a voter-verified paper record for use in manual audits."

[chequita guevara]

* Bans the use of undisclosed software and wireless communications devices in voting systems, and limits electronic communication to outgoing reports of vote totals only.


* Requires all voting systems to meet these requirements in time for the general election in November 2004. Jurisdictions that feel their new computer systems may not be able to do meet this deadline may use a paper system as an interim measure (at federal expense) in the November 2004 election.


* Requires that electronic voting system be provided for persons with disabilities by January 1, 2006 -- one year earlier than currently required by HAVA. Like the voting machines for non-disabled voters, those used by disabled voters must also provide a mechanism for voter-verification, though not necessarily a paper trail. Jurisdictions unable to meet this requirement by the deadline must give disabled voters the option to use the interim paper system with the assistance of an aide of their choosing.


* Requires mandatory surprise recounts in .5% of domestic jurisdictions and .5% of overseas jurisdictions.

[MikeH]

[Q Classic]

i'd just be happy if they bought those electronic voting machines from people who knew what they were doing, and not using f'n access.

[MikeH]

Even if there was no way to audit the system?

Paper record seems like a great idea. Then someone can actually go back and have an independent recount in controversial situations.

[Q Classic]

i mean, sure, go ahead, do these reforms. i don't care so much about them, honestly.

i'm just angry that this is yet another case of governments or organizations who what brand-spanking new technology, and are unwilling to actually find someone who can do it right.

[Caligastia]

Sounds good.

[Dinner]

I totally agree with this bill. I'm surprised Che and I have finally found a political bill we both can agree on.

[MrFun]

This sounds great to me.

[Garth Vader]

:b

[Q Classic]

* Bans the use of undisclosed software and wireless communications devices in voting systems, and limits electronic communication to outgoing reports of vote totals only.

now that i read a bit more on it, i like this one in particular. no wireless.

as for no undisclosed software, even better--means the developer, if they use a crummy base, like access, will get a lot of flak, like they deserve.

[MichaeltheGreat]

Originally posted by chegitz guevara
* Bans the use of undisclosed software and wireless communications devices in voting systems, and limits electronic communication to outgoing reports of vote totals only.

Software needs to be subject to third-party audit and accuracy verification, but banning secure wireless and electronic communication is assinine, and worthy of Luddites. Multi-billion dollar commerce can be carried out over SSL2 and TLS, there's no reason other than ignorance that votes shouldn't be. Wireless can also be adequately secured for purposes of vote tallies.

* Requires all voting systems to meet these requirements in time for the general election in November 2004. Jurisdictions that feel their new computer systems may not be able to do meet this deadline may use a paper system as an interim measure (at federal expense) in the November 2004 election.

Cool, let's go to hanging chads again, because the Luddites impose requirements that can't be met in every precinct between whenever the bill passes and the election.

* Requires mandatory surprise recounts in .5% of domestic jurisdictions and .5% of overseas jurisdictions.

And thus exceeds the Federal authority regarding elections under the US Constitution which reserves to the states the time, place and manner of choosing...

[MichaeltheGreat]

Originally posted by MikeH
Even if there was no way to audit the system?

Paper record seems like a great idea. Then someone can actually go back and have an independent recount in controversial situations.

Florida, anyone?

Do you think that if someone's going to play with the software count (meaning they have access to the machines) they can't also forge and substitute paper?

Or better yet, create the appearance of fraud by your opponent and invalidate votes that way?

[chequita guevara]

It's not about Luddism, Micahel, it's about the crappy, flawed software that allows people to waltz right in and change the numbers that is being used in 37 states. The companies are aware of the problem, and rather than fixing it, they are mounting a PR campaign instead.

[Japher]

I'm all for this since I suspect all you computer geeks here would mess with my vote and we end up having Che turning America communist a lot quicker than it already is