Alaska's US Senate race appears to have ended as 2010 winds down. Georgia's Secretary of State says that a new appointed election reform advisory panel will look at vote centers and ways to achieve cost savings, and New York's new voting system, and its implementation receive ongoing scrutiny.
All this and more in today's Voting News below.
AK: Miller ends challenge in US Senate race
http://www.thenewstribune.com/2010/12/31/1484529/miller-ends-challenge-in-senate.html
CA: When 0.45% of Total Voters Can Translate to Victory
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/31/us/31bcjames.html
CO: Fines against Colorado's new elections chief reduced
http://www.kdvr.com/news/sns-ap-co--secretaryofstate-fines,0,466012.story
FL: Crist squandered potential to make a real difference
http://www.news-journalonline.com/opinion/editorials/n-j-editorials/2010/12/31/crist-squandered-potential-to-make-a-real-difference.html
GA: Getting some of the money of of (holding) elections
http://blogs.ajc.com/kyle-wingfield/2010/12/31/getting-some-of-the-money-out-of-holding-elections/?cxntfid=blogs_kyle_wingfield
IN: Democrats file appeal challenging Secretary of State race
http://www.fox59.com/news/politics/wxin-democrats-file-appeal-challeng-123110,0,6984964.story
IA: Iowa owes nothing on audit
http://www.omaha.com/article/20101230/NEWS01/712319911/0
IA: Michael Mauro to be named state labor chief
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20101231/NEWS09/12310357/-1/BUSINESS04/Insider-Michael-Mauro-to-be-named-state-labor-chief
KS: Debate likely to heat up [voter ID]
http://hutchnews.com/Todaystop/A1--Immigration-1st-Ld-Writethru--1
LA: Louisiana Voter Purge Eliminates 121, 840 People From State Rolls
http://politic365.com/2010/12/31/louisiana-voter-purge-eliminates-121840-people-from-state-rolls/
NY: New York's new voting process is already being tweaked
http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2010/12/new_yorks_new_voting_pr
ocess_i.html
NY: League of Women Voters Says Voting Improvements Needed
http://post-journal.com/page/content.detail/id/577272/League-of-Women-Voters-Says-Voting-Improvements-Needed.html?nav=5192
ND: Resident didn't try to vote twice
http://www.jamestownsun.com/event/article/id/126486/
TN: 2010: A year of change in politics
http://www.herald-citizen.com/view/full_story/10834924/article-2010--A-year-of-change-in-politics?instance=homesecondleft
TX: Ready to go - again [Harris County]
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/7360562.html
TX: 'Oracle of Barton Springs was poet and activist
http://www.statesman.com/news/local/oracle-of-barton-springs-was-poet-and-activist-1155025.html
National
United States: NLRB Continues March Toward Administrative Implementation of Processes to Assist Union Organizing
http://www.mondaq.com/unitedstates/article.asp?articleid=119108
Recent General Counsel memoranda announcing enhanced enforcement efforts and greater penalties for violations of the National Labor Relations Act (the Act), implement, in principle, some of the "enhanced penalties" provisions of EFCA. The NLRB's exploration of electronic voting and shortening of the campaigning period in a union election emulate some of the purposes of the "card check" provisions of EFCA. A recently proposed rule regarding mandatory posting of a notice of employees' right to organize, combined with the creation of a new unfair labor practice charge for the failure to post, seems consistent with the goal of stimulating organizing activity.
International
India: Man steals EVM; 5 officials suspended
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mysore/Man-steals-EVM-5-officials-suspended/articleshow/7197965.cms
India: EVM thrown into a well in Hassan
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/125329/evm-thrown-well-hassan.html
Voting News archives here at http://votingnews.blogspot.com/Also at Twitter http://twitter.com/VotingNewsSubscribe to Voting News at this link: http://tinyurl.com/votingnews
Please send suggestions for the Voting News to sean at verifiedvoting dot org
A reminder: today is your last chance to support the Voting News in 2010. The Voting News is a free service made possible by the Verified Voting Foundation. You can help support the Voting News by sending a check to Verified Voting Foundation, PO Box 4104, Carlsbad, CA 92018. Your contribution is tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. Donate online at this link: http://tinyurl.com/donate-vnDisclaimer: Articles and commentary included in "Voting News" do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors of Voting News,or its allied organizations. Articles are selected for inclusion to inform subscribers'ability to draw their own conclusions based on noteworthy and credible news,research, legislation, and debate bearing on the integrity of elections.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Swiss government expresses caution on Internet voting, India looking to modify EVMs, MI county acts to improve chain of custody
The Swiss federal government expresses caution about Internet voting and limits its scope, while some local officials push for expanded Internet voting. India's political parties reportedly agree to use electronic voting machines (EVMs) going forward and the Election Commission has appointed a technical committee to study voter-verifiable paper records. On a more local but important note, Huron County, Michigan orders new ballot containers following a recount stymied by improperly sealed ballots.
All this and more in today's Voting News below.
AK: Murkowski Certified Winner of Alaska Senate Election
http://www.politicsdaily.com/2010/12/30/murkowski-certified-winner-of-alaska-senate-election/
CA: Warren Slocum aimed to break the mold
http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/bay-area/2010/12/warren-slocum-aimed-break-mold
FL: Stuart Canvassing Board OK's voting equipment
http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2010/dec/30/stuart-canvassing-board-oks-voting-equipment/
FL: Charlie Crist's legacy - an unfinished agenda
http://www.tampabay.com/news/education/k12/charlie-crists-legacy-8212-an-unfinished-agenda/1142655
Crist's insistence on switching from touchscreen to optical-scan voting in 2007 largely ended the mockery of "Flori-duh" as a place with unreliable ballot counting systems.
IA: Iowa misspent vote act money, but doesn't owe, U.S. audit says
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20101230/NEWS10/12300349/Iowa-misspent-vote-act-money-but-doesn-t-owe-U.S.-audit-says
IA: Gov. Culver: Statement on EAC final management decision
http://www.iowapolitics.com/index.iml?Article=221797
IA: Iowa to owe nothing in election spending audit
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-ia-electionspending-,0,3533416.story
LA: Be transparent in voter registration
http://www.dailyworld.com/article/20101230/OPINION/12300302
MO: Royster v. Rizzo Missouri House seat dispute heats up
http://www.examiner.com/conservative-in-kansas-city/royster-v-rizzo-missouri-house-seat-dispute-heats-up
MI: New ballot bags a go
http://www.michigansthumb.com/articles/2010/12/29/news/local_news/doc4d1b26d88fcda708961934.txt
During a meeting of the whole last week, Huron County Clerk Peggy Koehler requested the board purchase ballot containers for all the jurisdictions in Huron County.
“I’m not going to let this happen again,” she said in regard to the large number of precincts in Huron County that were unable to be recounted in the 84th District State Representative recount because of improperly sealed ballot containers.
NJ: Frederick and McNamara remain in office after recount
http://www.shorenewstoday.com/index.php/wildwood-mainmenu/wildwood-leader/7071-frederick-and-mcnamara-remain-in-office-after-recount-.html
NY: NY's new voting process already questioned
http://www.newsday.com/news/new-york/ny-s-new-voting-process-already-questioned-1.2577061
and
http://online.wsj.com/article/APf4596c06bcc14038b177f4dc3712c265.html
NY: AP brief: Voting Machines
http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/16909/ap-briefs-governor-s-address-voting-machines-nyc-schools-chancellor-bp-lawsuit-ny-senate-staff
NY: Wayne County election commissioners retire
http://www.waynepost.com/latestnews/x2135335919/Wayne-County-election-commissioners-retire
OH: Richland County elections board No. 2 retires
http://www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com/article/20101230/NEWS01/12300325/1002/Richland-County-elections-board-No.-2-retires
PA: Washo, O'Brien to seek re-election
http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/washo-o-brien-to-seek-re-election-1.1083886#axzz19e2Gw4Yf
Mr. Washo said that while he and Mr. O'Brien took heat for their selection of the county's optical scan voting system, which some critics saw as a step back technologically, it is now regarded as a "wise choice" because it provides verifiable election results.
WI: Senate recount costs counties nearly $16,000
http://www.jacksoncountychronicle.com/articles/2010/12/29/news/00lead.txt
Internet Voting Watch
Switzerland: Swiss abroad question half [sic] of e-voting
http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/internal_affairs/E-voting_to_advance_slowly_in_2011.html?cid=29138944
Contacted by swissinfo.ch, the federal chancellery issued a statement. “Electronic voting carries risks. In addition to irregularities, serious consideration should be given to rumours of abuses committed abroad that could undermine confidence in electronic voting.”
International
Canada: Partial recount ordered in Kitchener's ward nine
http://swo.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20101230/kitchener-ward-nine-recount-101230/20101230/?hub=SWOHome
India: Expert committee to decide on EVMs, says Quraishi
http://www.sify.com/news/expert-committee-to-decide-on-evms-says-quraishi-news-national-km4s4cigfgd.html
India: II Phase ZP/TP polls in 17 districts of Karnataka tomorrow
http://mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=local&newsid=214183
The repoll became necessary due to snag in Electronic Voting Machines and rigging during the first phase elections.
Ireland: retiring Sinn Fein TD urges radical reform of procedures
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2010/1230/1224286488278.html
Meanwhile, in Rop-land
http://www.wired.com/beyond_the_beyond/2010/12/meanwhile-in-rop-land/
Voting News archives here at http://votingnews.blogspot.com/Also at Twitter http://twitter.com/VotingNewsSubscribe to Voting News at this link: http://tinyurl.com/votingnews
Please send suggestions for the Voting News to sean at verifiedvoting dot org.
=============================================The Voting News is a free service made possible by the Verified Voting Foundation. You can help support the Voting News by sending a check to Verified Voting Foundation, PO Box 4104, Carlsbad, CA 92018. Be sure to note "for Voting News" in the memo line of your check! Your contribution is tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.Donate online at this link: http://tinyurl.com/donate-vnDisclaimer: Articles and commentary included in "Voting News" do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors of Voting News,or its allied organizations. Articles are selected for inclusion to inform subscribers'ability to draw their own conclusions based on noteworthy and credible news,research, legislation, and debate bearing on the integrity of elections.
All this and more in today's Voting News below.
AK: Murkowski Certified Winner of Alaska Senate Election
http://www.politicsdaily.com/2010/12/30/murkowski-certified-winner-of-alaska-senate-election/
CA: Warren Slocum aimed to break the mold
http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/bay-area/2010/12/warren-slocum-aimed-break-mold
FL: Stuart Canvassing Board OK's voting equipment
http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2010/dec/30/stuart-canvassing-board-oks-voting-equipment/
FL: Charlie Crist's legacy - an unfinished agenda
http://www.tampabay.com/news/education/k12/charlie-crists-legacy-8212-an-unfinished-agenda/1142655
Crist's insistence on switching from touchscreen to optical-scan voting in 2007 largely ended the mockery of "Flori-duh" as a place with unreliable ballot counting systems.
IA: Iowa misspent vote act money, but doesn't owe, U.S. audit says
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20101230/NEWS10/12300349/Iowa-misspent-vote-act-money-but-doesn-t-owe-U.S.-audit-says
IA: Gov. Culver: Statement on EAC final management decision
http://www.iowapolitics.com/index.iml?Article=221797
IA: Iowa to owe nothing in election spending audit
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-ia-electionspending-,0,3533416.story
LA: Be transparent in voter registration
http://www.dailyworld.com/article/20101230/OPINION/12300302
MO: Royster v. Rizzo Missouri House seat dispute heats up
http://www.examiner.com/conservative-in-kansas-city/royster-v-rizzo-missouri-house-seat-dispute-heats-up
MI: New ballot bags a go
http://www.michigansthumb.com/articles/2010/12/29/news/local_news/doc4d1b26d88fcda708961934.txt
During a meeting of the whole last week, Huron County Clerk Peggy Koehler requested the board purchase ballot containers for all the jurisdictions in Huron County.
“I’m not going to let this happen again,” she said in regard to the large number of precincts in Huron County that were unable to be recounted in the 84th District State Representative recount because of improperly sealed ballot containers.
NJ: Frederick and McNamara remain in office after recount
http://www.shorenewstoday.com/index.php/wildwood-mainmenu/wildwood-leader/7071-frederick-and-mcnamara-remain-in-office-after-recount-.html
NY: NY's new voting process already questioned
http://www.newsday.com/news/new-york/ny-s-new-voting-process-already-questioned-1.2577061
and
http://online.wsj.com/article/APf4596c06bcc14038b177f4dc3712c265.html
NY: AP brief: Voting Machines
http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/16909/ap-briefs-governor-s-address-voting-machines-nyc-schools-chancellor-bp-lawsuit-ny-senate-staff
NY: Wayne County election commissioners retire
http://www.waynepost.com/latestnews/x2135335919/Wayne-County-election-commissioners-retire
OH: Richland County elections board No. 2 retires
http://www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com/article/20101230/NEWS01/12300325/1002/Richland-County-elections-board-No.-2-retires
PA: Washo, O'Brien to seek re-election
http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/washo-o-brien-to-seek-re-election-1.1083886#axzz19e2Gw4Yf
Mr. Washo said that while he and Mr. O'Brien took heat for their selection of the county's optical scan voting system, which some critics saw as a step back technologically, it is now regarded as a "wise choice" because it provides verifiable election results.
WI: Senate recount costs counties nearly $16,000
http://www.jacksoncountychronicle.com/articles/2010/12/29/news/00lead.txt
Internet Voting Watch
Switzerland: Swiss abroad question half [sic] of e-voting
http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/internal_affairs/E-voting_to_advance_slowly_in_2011.html?cid=29138944
Contacted by swissinfo.ch, the federal chancellery issued a statement. “Electronic voting carries risks. In addition to irregularities, serious consideration should be given to rumours of abuses committed abroad that could undermine confidence in electronic voting.”
International
Canada: Partial recount ordered in Kitchener's ward nine
http://swo.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20101230/kitchener-ward-nine-recount-101230/20101230/?hub=SWOHome
India: Expert committee to decide on EVMs, says Quraishi
http://www.sify.com/news/expert-committee-to-decide-on-evms-says-quraishi-news-national-km4s4cigfgd.html
India: II Phase ZP/TP polls in 17 districts of Karnataka tomorrow
http://mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=local&newsid=214183
The repoll became necessary due to snag in Electronic Voting Machines and rigging during the first phase elections.
Ireland: retiring Sinn Fein TD urges radical reform of procedures
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2010/1230/1224286488278.html
Meanwhile, in Rop-land
http://www.wired.com/beyond_the_beyond/2010/12/meanwhile-in-rop-land/
Voting News archives here at http://votingnews.blogspot.com/Also at Twitter http://twitter.com/VotingNewsSubscribe to Voting News at this link: http://tinyurl.com/votingnews
Please send suggestions for the Voting News to sean at verifiedvoting dot org.
=============================================The Voting News is a free service made possible by the Verified Voting Foundation. You can help support the Voting News by sending a check to Verified Voting Foundation, PO Box 4104, Carlsbad, CA 92018. Be sure to note "for Voting News" in the memo line of your check! Your contribution is tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.Donate online at this link: http://tinyurl.com/donate-vnDisclaimer: Articles and commentary included in "Voting News" do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors of Voting News,or its allied organizations. Articles are selected for inclusion to inform subscribers'ability to draw their own conclusions based on noteworthy and credible news,research, legislation, and debate bearing on the integrity of elections.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Stuxnet variants may reach voting systems, Albany paper calls for automatic recounts in NYS, books to close on IA HAVA audit
Iowa election officials reach an agreement to close the books on the EAC audit of Iowa's HAVA funds, the Albany Times-Union calls for an automatic recount law for New York State, and security experts predict Stuxnet-like viruses to infect electronic voting systems in the near future. [Editor's Note: If you have suggestions for articles to include in the Voting News, please e-mail sean at verifiedvoting dot org.]
All this and more in today's Voting News below.
AK: Federal Judge Dismisses Miller's Election Suit in Alaska US Senate Contest
http://www.truth-out.org/federal-judge-dismisses-millers-election-suit-alaska-us-senate-contest66367
IA: Agreement closes book on misspent federal election funds
http://www.radioiowa.com/2010/12/29/agreement-closes-books-on-misspent-federal-election-funds/
Iowa Secretary of State Michael Mauro says his office has reached an agreement to close the books on federal money that was misspent by his predecessor. Federal officials said Governor Chet Culver misspent over two-million dollars in funds from the 2002 Help America Vote Act when Culver was Secretary of State.
IA: U.S. audit concludes misspent voting money, but owes nothing
http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2010/12/29/u-s-audit-concludes-iowa-misspent-voting-money-but-owes-nothing/
LA: Polling sites lead agenda
http://www.theadvertiser.com/article/20101229/NEWS01/12290317
NY: Time to fix this election law
http://blog.timesunion.com/opinion/time-to-fix-this-election-law/8371/
New York chose a process that involved paper ballots when it modernized its election system for cases just like this — elections that are close enough to raise doubts about who really won. That there were errors even with these new, modern machines only underscores the need for a law that mandates recounts when the margin is so narrow.
NY: Your vote counts: This county knows who won [Dec. 17]
http://www.columbiapaper.com/index.php/editor/1698-by-virginia-martin
PA: Operation Homefront: Military moms unite under blue stars (with video)
http://www.delcotimes.com/articles/2010/12/29/news/doc4d1ab2f94bd6b489269504.txt
The group also lobbies on a variety of issues, like electronic voting for military members and affordable airfare for soldiers on leave.
National, International
Stuxnet-like viruses to be released more broadly in 2011
http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/301881Known to successfully slow down the Iranian nuclear program, the Stuxnet cyber worm is now expected to spawn variations that are predicted to disrupt non-traditional IT targets, from power grids to electronic voting stations.
Stuxnet Variants Will Wreak Havoc on More Information Systems in 2011
Voting News archives here at http://votingnews.blogspot.com/Also at Twitter http://twitter.com/VotingNewsSubscribe to Voting News at this link: http://tinyurl.com/votingnews =============================================The Voting News is a free service made possible by the Verified Voting Foundation. You can help support the Voting News by sending a check to Verified Voting Foundation, PO Box 4104, Carlsbad, CA 92018. Be sure to note "for Voting News" in the memo line of your check! Your contribution is tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.Donate online at this link: http://tinyurl.com/donate-vnDisclaimer: Articles and commentary included in "Voting News" do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors of Voting News,or its allied organizations. Articles are selected for inclusion to inform subscribers'ability to draw their own conclusions based on noteworthy and credible news,research, legislation, and debate bearing on the integrity of elections.
All this and more in today's Voting News below.
AK: Federal Judge Dismisses Miller's Election Suit in Alaska US Senate Contest
http://www.truth-out.org/federal-judge-dismisses-millers-election-suit-alaska-us-senate-contest66367
IA: Agreement closes book on misspent federal election funds
http://www.radioiowa.com/2010/12/29/agreement-closes-books-on-misspent-federal-election-funds/
Iowa Secretary of State Michael Mauro says his office has reached an agreement to close the books on federal money that was misspent by his predecessor. Federal officials said Governor Chet Culver misspent over two-million dollars in funds from the 2002 Help America Vote Act when Culver was Secretary of State.
IA: U.S. audit concludes misspent voting money, but owes nothing
http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2010/12/29/u-s-audit-concludes-iowa-misspent-voting-money-but-owes-nothing/
LA: Polling sites lead agenda
http://www.theadvertiser.com/article/20101229/NEWS01/12290317
NY: Time to fix this election law
http://blog.timesunion.com/opinion/time-to-fix-this-election-law/8371/
New York chose a process that involved paper ballots when it modernized its election system for cases just like this — elections that are close enough to raise doubts about who really won. That there were errors even with these new, modern machines only underscores the need for a law that mandates recounts when the margin is so narrow.
NY: Your vote counts: This county knows who won [Dec. 17]
http://www.columbiapaper.com/index.php/editor/1698-by-virginia-martin
PA: Operation Homefront: Military moms unite under blue stars (with video)
http://www.delcotimes.com/articles/2010/12/29/news/doc4d1ab2f94bd6b489269504.txt
The group also lobbies on a variety of issues, like electronic voting for military members and affordable airfare for soldiers on leave.
National, International
Stuxnet-like viruses to be released more broadly in 2011
http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/301881Known to successfully slow down the Iranian nuclear program, the Stuxnet cyber worm is now expected to spawn variations that are predicted to disrupt non-traditional IT targets, from power grids to electronic voting stations.
Stuxnet Variants Will Wreak Havoc on More Information Systems in 2011
Voting News archives here at http://votingnews.blogspot.com/Also at Twitter http://twitter.com/VotingNewsSubscribe to Voting News at this link: http://tinyurl.com/votingnews =============================================The Voting News is a free service made possible by the Verified Voting Foundation. You can help support the Voting News by sending a check to Verified Voting Foundation, PO Box 4104, Carlsbad, CA 92018. Be sure to note "for Voting News" in the memo line of your check! Your contribution is tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.Donate online at this link: http://tinyurl.com/donate-vnDisclaimer: Articles and commentary included in "Voting News" do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors of Voting News,or its allied organizations. Articles are selected for inclusion to inform subscribers'ability to draw their own conclusions based on noteworthy and credible news,research, legislation, and debate bearing on the integrity of elections.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Alaska US Senate challenge loses in Federal court, state legislative races in Missouri, Texas still contentious
A lighter news day for electronic voting issues. Close state legislative elections in Texas and Missouri remain contentious, a Federal Court rules on the challenge to the U.S. Senate election in Alaska.
All this and more in today's voting news below.
AK: 'Election Integrity is Vital': Joe Miller Makes a Federal Case Out of it in AK's U.S. Senate Contest
http://www.bradblog.com/?p=8270
AK: Judge Tosses Candidate Miller's Lawsuit
http://www.adn.com/2010/12/28/1622554/federal-judge-overturns-miller.html
GA: Secretary of State Kemp Announces Formation of Elections Advisory Council [Dec. 14]
http://www.sos.ga.gov/pressrel/2010_releases/December/20101214Secretary%20of%20State%20Kemp%20Announces%20Formation%20of%20Elections%20Advisory%20Council%20.htm
MD: Uncertainty Remains for Funding Optical Scan Voting System
http://conduitstreet.mdcounties.org/2010/12/28/uncertainty-remains-for-funding-optical-scan-voting-system/
MO: Royster [MO HD-40] to contest primary election
http://www.connectmidmissouri.com/news/story.aspx?id=560081
MO: Rizzo-Royster mudfest moves to Jefferson City [HD-40]
http://voices.kansascity.com/entries/rizzo-royster-mudfest-moves-jefferson-city/
NY: No 5. Story of the Year: Election Day turns into an election month
http://northshoresun.timesreview.com/2010/12/4725/no-5-story-of-the-year-election-day-turns-into-an-election-month/
NY: Paper ballots were not without fault
http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Paper-ballots-were-not-without-fault-923342.php
NY: Vote Count Not a Factor in NY Election Outcome
http://my.firedoglake.com/jmlagain/2010/12/28/vote-count-not-a-factor-in-ny-election-outcome/
TN: Election commission needs workers for 2011
http://bartlett.wmctv.com/content/election-commission-needs-workers-2011
TX: Rep. Donna Howard makes formal response to challenge [TX HD-48]
http://impactnews.com/lake-travis-westlake/453-recent-news/11021-rep-donna-howard-makes-formal-response-to-challenge
TX: What's a Master of Discovery [HD-48]
http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/News/Blogs/index.html/objID1129796/blogID/
TX: In defense of military voters [HD-48, Dec. 21]
http://www.empowertexans.com/Issues/in_defense_of_military_voters
WI: WI Disability Community: Voter ID Bill Needs Work
http://www.publicnewsservice.org/index.php?/content/article/17588-1
National
Q&A on the News: How many elections have been overturned because of a recount?
http://www.ajc.com/news/q-a-on-the-789474.html
Internet Voting Watch
Voting set to begin Wednesday for SAG Awards
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118029473?refCatId=13
The official election teller, Integrity Voting Systems, announced Monday that Internet eBalloting is encouraged. Paper ballots will be made available only upon request, which must be made by Jan. 14.
International
My keynote at 27C3
http://rop.gonggri.jp/?p%3D438
Voting News archives here at http://votingnews.blogspot.com/Also at Twitter http://twitter.com/VotingNewsSubscribe to Voting News at this link: http://tinyurl.com/votingnews =============================================The Voting News is a free service made possible by the Verified Voting Foundation. You can help support the Voting News by sending a check to Verified Voting Foundation, PO Box 4104, Carlsbad, CA 92018. Be sure to note "for Voting News" in the memo line of your check! Your contribution is tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.Donate online at this link: http://tinyurl.com/donate-vnDisclaimer: Articles and commentary included in "Voting News" do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors of Voting News,or its allied organizations. Articles are selected for inclusion to inform subscribers'ability to draw their own conclusions based on noteworthy and credible news,research, legislation, and debate bearing on the integrity of elections.
All this and more in today's voting news below.
AK: 'Election Integrity is Vital': Joe Miller Makes a Federal Case Out of it in AK's U.S. Senate Contest
http://www.bradblog.com/?p=8270
AK: Judge Tosses Candidate Miller's Lawsuit
http://www.adn.com/2010/12/28/1622554/federal-judge-overturns-miller.html
GA: Secretary of State Kemp Announces Formation of Elections Advisory Council [Dec. 14]
http://www.sos.ga.gov/pressrel/2010_releases/December/20101214Secretary%20of%20State%20Kemp%20Announces%20Formation%20of%20Elections%20Advisory%20Council%20.htm
MD: Uncertainty Remains for Funding Optical Scan Voting System
http://conduitstreet.mdcounties.org/2010/12/28/uncertainty-remains-for-funding-optical-scan-voting-system/
MO: Royster [MO HD-40] to contest primary election
http://www.connectmidmissouri.com/news/story.aspx?id=560081
MO: Rizzo-Royster mudfest moves to Jefferson City [HD-40]
http://voices.kansascity.com/entries/rizzo-royster-mudfest-moves-jefferson-city/
NY: No 5. Story of the Year: Election Day turns into an election month
http://northshoresun.timesreview.com/2010/12/4725/no-5-story-of-the-year-election-day-turns-into-an-election-month/
NY: Paper ballots were not without fault
http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Paper-ballots-were-not-without-fault-923342.php
NY: Vote Count Not a Factor in NY Election Outcome
http://my.firedoglake.com/jmlagain/2010/12/28/vote-count-not-a-factor-in-ny-election-outcome/
TN: Election commission needs workers for 2011
http://bartlett.wmctv.com/content/election-commission-needs-workers-2011
TX: Rep. Donna Howard makes formal response to challenge [TX HD-48]
http://impactnews.com/lake-travis-westlake/453-recent-news/11021-rep-donna-howard-makes-formal-response-to-challenge
TX: What's a Master of Discovery [HD-48]
http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/News/Blogs/index.html/objID1129796/blogID/
TX: In defense of military voters [HD-48, Dec. 21]
http://www.empowertexans.com/Issues/in_defense_of_military_voters
WI: WI Disability Community: Voter ID Bill Needs Work
http://www.publicnewsservice.org/index.php?/content/article/17588-1
National
Q&A on the News: How many elections have been overturned because of a recount?
http://www.ajc.com/news/q-a-on-the-789474.html
Internet Voting Watch
Voting set to begin Wednesday for SAG Awards
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118029473?refCatId=13
The official election teller, Integrity Voting Systems, announced Monday that Internet eBalloting is encouraged. Paper ballots will be made available only upon request, which must be made by Jan. 14.
International
My keynote at 27C3
http://rop.gonggri.jp/?p%3D438
Voting News archives here at http://votingnews.blogspot.com/Also at Twitter http://twitter.com/VotingNewsSubscribe to Voting News at this link: http://tinyurl.com/votingnews =============================================The Voting News is a free service made possible by the Verified Voting Foundation. You can help support the Voting News by sending a check to Verified Voting Foundation, PO Box 4104, Carlsbad, CA 92018. Be sure to note "for Voting News" in the memo line of your check! Your contribution is tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.Donate online at this link: http://tinyurl.com/donate-vnDisclaimer: Articles and commentary included in "Voting News" do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors of Voting News,or its allied organizations. Articles are selected for inclusion to inform subscribers'ability to draw their own conclusions based on noteworthy and credible news,research, legislation, and debate bearing on the integrity of elections.
Monday, December 27, 2010
MD report shows paper ballots cost less than DREs, IA Justices deny separate ballot for judge retention
We're back from a short holiday break! Tonight's edition covers news published since our last full edition on Monday December 20. State news is organized by state and then by date. State news is followed by sections for national, Internet voting, and international news. Internationally, online voting in Ahmedabad, India is provoking discussion. At home the EAC has released data on HAVA appropriations, and as we reported in our holiday note, an independent cost study ordered by the Maryland General Assembly has found that the state could save $10 million by replacing its electronic voting machines with optical scanners and paper ballots. (Note: we have included one among a great many news articles published on the Alaska US Senate race.)
All this and more in today's Voting News below.
AK: Miller won't back Murkowski Senate certification [Dec. 27]
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101227/ap_on_re_us/us_alaska_senate
CA: 2011 Ushers In Boosts to Transparency in Election Security and Campaign Finance [Media Release, Dec. 21]
http://www.sos.ca.gov/admin/press-releases/2010/db10-120.pdf
CO: Premier AccuVote Machines Missed 0.4% of Votes in Aspen Elections [Dec. 27]
http://www.fairvote.org/premier-accuvote-machines-missed-0-4-of-ballots-in-aspen-elections
CO: SOS sends mixed signals on certification [Dec. 26]
http://www.examiner.com/conservative-in-colorado-springs/sos-sends-mixed-signals-on-certification
IA: Justices say no to quest to block removal [Dec. 21]
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20101221/NEWS/12210357/-1/caucus/Justices-say-no-to-quest-to-block-removal
University of Iowa computer science professor Doug Jones, who studies voting technology and practices, said a separate ballot for the justices runs contrary to state history.
"You create a bureaucratic monster when you double the amount of paper involved in an election," Jones said. "If each judicial retention race is a separate piece of paper, which is the most extreme reading I can imagine, that's an awful snow flurry of paper. County election offices are already strapped for money."
IN: Recount commission did its job fairly and honestly [Opinion, Dec. 24]
http://www.southbendtribune.com/article/20101224/Opinion/101229802/-1/googleNews
"The recount commission was greatly served in its duty by current county Clerk Rita Glenn, several county voting machine technicians and Keith McGinnis from Illinois-based service contractor RBM Consulting to make the process run efficiently and smoothly. All of these individuals have my profound gratitude for their dedication to our work."
KY: Trimble to buy new voting machines [Dec. 21]
http://madisoncourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=178&SubSectionID=270&ArticleID=60332
MD: Report: Scanners cost less than touch-screen machines [Dec. 24]
http://www.gazette.net/stories/12242010/polinew172811_32537.php
The independent analysis, conducted by a North Carolina research firm for the Department of Legislative Services, appears to confirm what supporters of a voter-verified paper trail system have long argued: It costs more money to maintain the current equipment than to purchase new
machines that allow voters to print out paper receipts of their selections.
MN: St. Paul preps for voting via ranked choice [Dec. 25]
http://www.startribune.com/politics/local/112459654.html?elr=KArks7PYDiaK7DUoaK7D_V_eDc87DUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUoD3aPc:_27EQU
MS:Hinds rejects used voting machines [Dec. 21]
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20101221/NEWS/12210320/Hinds+rejects+used+voting+machines
Hinds County supervisors say they want to discard the county's 8-year-old, $1.5 million voting system and start anew.
The Board of Supervisors denied a request Monday by some election commissioners to purchase 300 used voting machines. Instead, the board wants the commission to shop for a new system, such as an optical scanning system that would allow for better auditing of records.
MO: KC legislator may be denied seat over fraud allegations [Dec. 27]
http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_498eb9fd-e146-5986-878f-9c52a97a8f86.html
NY: Columbia County Elections Commissioner Lauded [Dec. 27]
http://newsroom.wgxc.org/archives/6189
NY: ETC Names 'Election Integrity Hero' For Heading Hand Ballot Count [Dec. 27]
http://registerstar.com/articles/2010/12/27/news/doc4d16b8af18d9c073786898.txt
NY: Paper trail paid for, but not used [Dec. 23]
http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20101221/INS/101229984
NY: Heights votes correctly counted in final tally [Dec. 23]
http://shelterislandreporter.timesreview.com/2010/12/5002/heights-votes-correctly-counted-in-final-tally/
NY: Paper Ballots: NY Courts Don't Get It [Opinion, Dec. 21]
http://www.bolipari.com/boblog/2010/12/paper-ballots-ny-courts-dont-get-it/
NY, AK: NY, AK Election Contests Demonstrate, Again, Why Paper Ballots Actually Need to be Counted [Opinion, Dec. 21]
http://www.bradblog.com/?p=8260
NC: Concession after N.C. Court of Appeals recount widens lead [Dec. 20]
http://hamptonroads.com/2010/12/concession-after-nc-court-appeals-recount-widens-lead
OH: Secretary of State Directive 2010-85: Post-Election Audits of the November 2, 2010 General Election [Dec. 16]
http://www.sos.state.oh.us/SOS/Upload/elections/directives/2010/Dir2010-85.pdf
National
Reapportionment: A New Portrait of America: First 2010 Census Results [Dec. 21]
http://2010.census.gov/news/press-kits/apportionment/apport.html
EAC: Appropriation and Distribution of HAVA Payments to States [Dec. 22]
http://www.eac.gov/assets/1/Documents/Appropriation%20&%20Distribution%20of%20HAVA%20Payments%20to%20States_12.22.2010.pdf
EAC: Federal Advisory Committee Act; Board of Advisors Charter Renewal [Dec. 21]
http://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2010/12/21/2010-31938/federal-advisory-committee-act-board-of-advisors-charter-renewal
Internet Voting Watch
Internet Voting Only Makes Sense [Opinion, Dec. 22]
http://northfork.patch.com/articles/op-ed-internet-voting-only-makes-sense
Online Voting: A sincere, but vulnerable initiative [Opinion, Dec. 26]
http://www.dnaindia.com/opinion/column_online-voting-a-sincere-but-vulnerable-initiative_1486244
International
Bangladesh: E-voting likely in by-elections [Dec. 23]
http://www.bdnews24.com/details.php?id=182441&cid=2
Brazil: Brazil orders more voting machines from Diebold [Dec. 22]
http://www.atmmarketplace.com/article/178434/Brazil-orders-more-voting-machines-from-Diebold
Peru: Some 2,500 Peruvians to vote electronically in 2011 Presidential elections [Dec. 27]
http://www.andina.com.pe/Ingles/Noticia.aspx?id=vXwD3PssM4Y=
India: Faulty EVMs, chill delay voting in State [Dec. 28]
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/123953/faulty-evms-chill-delay-voting.html
India: Efforts needed to make EVMs fool-proof [Dec. 23]
http://www.siliconindia.com/shownews/Efforts_needed_to_make_EVMs_foolproof_-nid-76061-cid-1.html
India: Lalu to meet election panel in irregularities over EVMs [Dec. 22]
http://www.sify.com/news/lalu-to-meet-election-panel-over-irregularities-in-evms-news-national-kmwlOnjceih.html
India: Questioning the reliability of EVMs [Dec. 21]
http://www.thehindu.com/arts/books/article967488.ece
India, Russia: India, Russia sign agreements on cooperation in diverse areas [Dec. 21]
http://netindian.in/news/2010/12/21/0009422/india-russia-sign-agreements-cooperation-diverse-areas
Voting News archives here at http://votingnews.blogspot.com/Also at Twitter http://twitter.com/VotingNewsSubscribe to Voting News at this link: http://tinyurl.com/votingnews =============================================The Voting News is a free service made possible by the Verified Voting Foundation. You can help support the Voting News by sending a check to Verified Voting Foundation, PO Box 4104, Carlsbad, CA 92018. Be sure to note "for Voting News" in the memo line of your check! Your contribution is tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.Donate online at this link: http://tinyurl.com/donate-vnDisclaimer: Articles and commentary included in "Voting News" do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors of Voting News,or its allied organizations. Articles are selected for inclusion to inform subscribers'ability to draw their own conclusions based on noteworthy and credible news,research, legislation, and debate bearing on the integrity of elections.
All this and more in today's Voting News below.
AK: Miller won't back Murkowski Senate certification [Dec. 27]
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101227/ap_on_re_us/us_alaska_senate
CA: 2011 Ushers In Boosts to Transparency in Election Security and Campaign Finance [Media Release, Dec. 21]
http://www.sos.ca.gov/admin/press-releases/2010/db10-120.pdf
CO: Premier AccuVote Machines Missed 0.4% of Votes in Aspen Elections [Dec. 27]
http://www.fairvote.org/premier-accuvote-machines-missed-0-4-of-ballots-in-aspen-elections
CO: SOS sends mixed signals on certification [Dec. 26]
http://www.examiner.com/conservative-in-colorado-springs/sos-sends-mixed-signals-on-certification
IA: Justices say no to quest to block removal [Dec. 21]
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20101221/NEWS/12210357/-1/caucus/Justices-say-no-to-quest-to-block-removal
University of Iowa computer science professor Doug Jones, who studies voting technology and practices, said a separate ballot for the justices runs contrary to state history.
"You create a bureaucratic monster when you double the amount of paper involved in an election," Jones said. "If each judicial retention race is a separate piece of paper, which is the most extreme reading I can imagine, that's an awful snow flurry of paper. County election offices are already strapped for money."
IN: Recount commission did its job fairly and honestly [Opinion, Dec. 24]
http://www.southbendtribune.com/article/20101224/Opinion/101229802/-1/googleNews
"The recount commission was greatly served in its duty by current county Clerk Rita Glenn, several county voting machine technicians and Keith McGinnis from Illinois-based service contractor RBM Consulting to make the process run efficiently and smoothly. All of these individuals have my profound gratitude for their dedication to our work."
KY: Trimble to buy new voting machines [Dec. 21]
http://madisoncourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=178&SubSectionID=270&ArticleID=60332
MD: Report: Scanners cost less than touch-screen machines [Dec. 24]
http://www.gazette.net/stories/12242010/polinew172811_32537.php
The independent analysis, conducted by a North Carolina research firm for the Department of Legislative Services, appears to confirm what supporters of a voter-verified paper trail system have long argued: It costs more money to maintain the current equipment than to purchase new
machines that allow voters to print out paper receipts of their selections.
MN: St. Paul preps for voting via ranked choice [Dec. 25]
http://www.startribune.com/politics/local/112459654.html?elr=KArks7PYDiaK7DUoaK7D_V_eDc87DUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUoD3aPc:_27EQU
MS:Hinds rejects used voting machines [Dec. 21]
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20101221/NEWS/12210320/Hinds+rejects+used+voting+machines
Hinds County supervisors say they want to discard the county's 8-year-old, $1.5 million voting system and start anew.
The Board of Supervisors denied a request Monday by some election commissioners to purchase 300 used voting machines. Instead, the board wants the commission to shop for a new system, such as an optical scanning system that would allow for better auditing of records.
MO: KC legislator may be denied seat over fraud allegations [Dec. 27]
http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_498eb9fd-e146-5986-878f-9c52a97a8f86.html
NY: Columbia County Elections Commissioner Lauded [Dec. 27]
http://newsroom.wgxc.org/archives/6189
NY: ETC Names 'Election Integrity Hero' For Heading Hand Ballot Count [Dec. 27]
http://registerstar.com/articles/2010/12/27/news/doc4d16b8af18d9c073786898.txt
NY: Paper trail paid for, but not used [Dec. 23]
http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20101221/INS/101229984
NY: Heights votes correctly counted in final tally [Dec. 23]
http://shelterislandreporter.timesreview.com/2010/12/5002/heights-votes-correctly-counted-in-final-tally/
NY: Paper Ballots: NY Courts Don't Get It [Opinion, Dec. 21]
http://www.bolipari.com/boblog/2010/12/paper-ballots-ny-courts-dont-get-it/
NY, AK: NY, AK Election Contests Demonstrate, Again, Why Paper Ballots Actually Need to be Counted [Opinion, Dec. 21]
http://www.bradblog.com/?p=8260
NC: Concession after N.C. Court of Appeals recount widens lead [Dec. 20]
http://hamptonroads.com/2010/12/concession-after-nc-court-appeals-recount-widens-lead
OH: Secretary of State Directive 2010-85: Post-Election Audits of the November 2, 2010 General Election [Dec. 16]
http://www.sos.state.oh.us/SOS/Upload/elections/directives/2010/Dir2010-85.pdf
National
Reapportionment: A New Portrait of America: First 2010 Census Results [Dec. 21]
http://2010.census.gov/news/press-kits/apportionment/apport.html
EAC: Appropriation and Distribution of HAVA Payments to States [Dec. 22]
http://www.eac.gov/assets/1/Documents/Appropriation%20&%20Distribution%20of%20HAVA%20Payments%20to%20States_12.22.2010.pdf
EAC: Federal Advisory Committee Act; Board of Advisors Charter Renewal [Dec. 21]
http://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2010/12/21/2010-31938/federal-advisory-committee-act-board-of-advisors-charter-renewal
Internet Voting Watch
Internet Voting Only Makes Sense [Opinion, Dec. 22]
http://northfork.patch.com/articles/op-ed-internet-voting-only-makes-sense
Online Voting: A sincere, but vulnerable initiative [Opinion, Dec. 26]
http://www.dnaindia.com/opinion/column_online-voting-a-sincere-but-vulnerable-initiative_1486244
International
Bangladesh: E-voting likely in by-elections [Dec. 23]
http://www.bdnews24.com/details.php?id=182441&cid=2
Brazil: Brazil orders more voting machines from Diebold [Dec. 22]
http://www.atmmarketplace.com/article/178434/Brazil-orders-more-voting-machines-from-Diebold
Peru: Some 2,500 Peruvians to vote electronically in 2011 Presidential elections [Dec. 27]
http://www.andina.com.pe/Ingles/Noticia.aspx?id=vXwD3PssM4Y=
India: Faulty EVMs, chill delay voting in State [Dec. 28]
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/123953/faulty-evms-chill-delay-voting.html
India: Efforts needed to make EVMs fool-proof [Dec. 23]
http://www.siliconindia.com/shownews/Efforts_needed_to_make_EVMs_foolproof_-nid-76061-cid-1.html
India: Lalu to meet election panel in irregularities over EVMs [Dec. 22]
http://www.sify.com/news/lalu-to-meet-election-panel-over-irregularities-in-evms-news-national-kmwlOnjceih.html
India: Questioning the reliability of EVMs [Dec. 21]
http://www.thehindu.com/arts/books/article967488.ece
India, Russia: India, Russia sign agreements on cooperation in diverse areas [Dec. 21]
http://netindian.in/news/2010/12/21/0009422/india-russia-sign-agreements-cooperation-diverse-areas
Voting News archives here at http://votingnews.blogspot.com/Also at Twitter http://twitter.com/VotingNewsSubscribe to Voting News at this link: http://tinyurl.com/votingnews =============================================The Voting News is a free service made possible by the Verified Voting Foundation. You can help support the Voting News by sending a check to Verified Voting Foundation, PO Box 4104, Carlsbad, CA 92018. Be sure to note "for Voting News" in the memo line of your check! Your contribution is tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.Donate online at this link: http://tinyurl.com/donate-vnDisclaimer: Articles and commentary included in "Voting News" do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors of Voting News,or its allied organizations. Articles are selected for inclusion to inform subscribers'ability to draw their own conclusions based on noteworthy and credible news,research, legislation, and debate bearing on the integrity of elections.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Happy Holidays from the Team at Voting News
We wish you all safe and happy holidays, and for those who celebrate, a Merry Christmas. The Voting News will resume regular postings on Monday December 27 after a short holiday break. (News from this week will be archived.)
Today, though, we'd like to pass on several news stories that are a gift to those working hard for accurate elections. In Mississippi, one of the largest counties - currently using paperless voting machines - is considering switching to paper ballots. Kentucky's movement away from unverifiable DREs continues, with election officials who previously used DREs reportedly more pleased with new paper ballot scanners. And from Maryland, perhaps the most exciting news: an independent cost study commissioned by the General Assembly shows that Maryland would save nearly $10 million by switching to paper ballot optical scan voting systems - and get recountable elections in the bargain.
We know our readers, like us, can't help saving a small space for concern about elections even on a holiday, and we hope this news adds to your enjoyment of the day. We'll be back in touch next week, and we look forward to serving you in the new year.
KY: Trimble to buy new voting machines
http://madisoncourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=178&SubSectionID=270&ArticleID=60332
The county currently uses ES&S for equipment and will switch to Harp Enterprises. The switch will mean new equipment and a new way of reading votes. Harp uses paper ballots that will be scanned into a computer to tally the numbers.
"I have talked to several counties that have switched to the paper ballot system and they all like the paper ballots over the machines," Powell said in the letter. Paper ballots are expected to reduce
confusion by voters and be easier to tally.
MD: Report: Scanners cost less than touch-screen machines
http://www.gazette.net/stories/12242010/polinew172811_32537.php
The independent analysis, conducted by a North Carolina research firm for the Department of Legislative Services, appears to confirm what supporters of a voter-verified paper trail system have long argued: It costs more money to maintain the current equipment than to purchase new
machines that allow voters to print out paper receipts of their selections.
MS:Hinds rejects used voting machines
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20101221/NEWS/12210320/Hinds+rejects+used+voting+machines
Hinds County supervisors say they want to discard the county's 8-year-old, $1.5 million voting system and start anew.
The Board of Supervisors denied a request Monday by some election commissioners to purchase 300 used voting machines. Instead, the board wants the commission to shop for a new system, such as an optical scanning system that would allow for better auditing of records.
Voting News archives here at http://votingnews.blogspot.com/Also at Twitter http://twitter.com/VotingNewsSubscribe to Voting News at this link: http://tinyurl.com/votingnews =============================================The Voting News is a free service made possible by the Verified Voting Foundation. You can help support the Voting News by sending a check to Verified Voting Foundation, PO Box 4104, Carlsbad, CA 92018. Be sure to note "for Voting News" in the memo line of your check! Your contribution is tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.Donate online at this link: http://tinyurl.com/donate-vn
Disclaimer: Articles and commentary included in "Voting News" do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors of Voting News,or its allied organizations. Articles are selected for inclusion to inform subscribers'ability to draw their own conclusions based on noteworthy and credible news,research, legislation, and debate bearing on the integrity of elections.
Today, though, we'd like to pass on several news stories that are a gift to those working hard for accurate elections. In Mississippi, one of the largest counties - currently using paperless voting machines - is considering switching to paper ballots. Kentucky's movement away from unverifiable DREs continues, with election officials who previously used DREs reportedly more pleased with new paper ballot scanners. And from Maryland, perhaps the most exciting news: an independent cost study commissioned by the General Assembly shows that Maryland would save nearly $10 million by switching to paper ballot optical scan voting systems - and get recountable elections in the bargain.
We know our readers, like us, can't help saving a small space for concern about elections even on a holiday, and we hope this news adds to your enjoyment of the day. We'll be back in touch next week, and we look forward to serving you in the new year.
KY: Trimble to buy new voting machines
http://madisoncourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=178&SubSectionID=270&ArticleID=60332
The county currently uses ES&S for equipment and will switch to Harp Enterprises. The switch will mean new equipment and a new way of reading votes. Harp uses paper ballots that will be scanned into a computer to tally the numbers.
"I have talked to several counties that have switched to the paper ballot system and they all like the paper ballots over the machines," Powell said in the letter. Paper ballots are expected to reduce
confusion by voters and be easier to tally.
MD: Report: Scanners cost less than touch-screen machines
http://www.gazette.net/stories/12242010/polinew172811_32537.php
The independent analysis, conducted by a North Carolina research firm for the Department of Legislative Services, appears to confirm what supporters of a voter-verified paper trail system have long argued: It costs more money to maintain the current equipment than to purchase new
machines that allow voters to print out paper receipts of their selections.
MS:Hinds rejects used voting machines
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20101221/NEWS/12210320/Hinds+rejects+used+voting+machines
Hinds County supervisors say they want to discard the county's 8-year-old, $1.5 million voting system and start anew.
The Board of Supervisors denied a request Monday by some election commissioners to purchase 300 used voting machines. Instead, the board wants the commission to shop for a new system, such as an optical scanning system that would allow for better auditing of records.
Voting News archives here at http://votingnews.blogspot.com/Also at Twitter http://twitter.com/VotingNewsSubscribe to Voting News at this link: http://tinyurl.com/votingnews =============================================The Voting News is a free service made possible by the Verified Voting Foundation. You can help support the Voting News by sending a check to Verified Voting Foundation, PO Box 4104, Carlsbad, CA 92018. Be sure to note "for Voting News" in the memo line of your check! Your contribution is tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.Donate online at this link: http://tinyurl.com/donate-vn
Disclaimer: Articles and commentary included in "Voting News" do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors of Voting News,or its allied organizations. Articles are selected for inclusion to inform subscribers'ability to draw their own conclusions based on noteworthy and credible news,research, legislation, and debate bearing on the integrity of elections.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Recount denied by court in NY Senate race, top vote-getter gains in NC's recount, Russia looks at India's voting system
New York's highest court rejects petition for manual recount in the close State Senate District 7 race; top candidate gains votes in North Carolina's instant-runoff judicial race; Russian officials take a close look at India's electronic voting system...
All this and more in today's voting news below.
CA: Cheaper, popular mail-in ballots worry critics
http://californiawatch.org/dailyreport/cheaper-popular-mail-ballots-worry-critics-7479
CO: Retabulation flips election results
http://www.examiner.com/conservative-in-colorado-springs/retabulation-flips-election-results
IN: Monroe commissioners finalizing purchase of paper ballot-scanning system
http://www.heraldtimesonline.com/stories/2010/12/18/news.qp-9884661.sto
IN: McNamara's four-vote victory in Indiana House race is certified
http://www.courierpress.com/news/2010/dec/18/mcnamaras-four-vote-victory-indiana-house-race-cer/
MN: County election officials: We were stiffed by GOP
http://www.startribune.com/politics/recount/112108169.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUvDEhiaE3miUsZ
NJ: Recall Recount: Nothing Changes in West Wildwood
http://www.capemaycountyherald.com/article/government/west+wildwood/68758-recall+recount+nothing+changes
NY: Top NY Court Nixes Sen. Recount; GOP To Take Power in Albany
http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local-beat/Democrats-want-NY-Court-to-Order-Senate-Recount-112196244.html
New York's new voting machines have paper copies of every vote and the Democrats wanted all recounted in hopes there were errors and Johnson won.
http://www.law.com/jsp/nylj/PubArticleNY.jsp?id=1202476450504&Court_Rejects_Challenge_to_Republican_Win_of_Nassau_Senate_Seat&slreturn=1&hbxlogin=1
NY: Paper ballots offer certainty
http://www.newsday.com/opinion/oped/paper-ballots-offer-certainty-1.2556022
In New York's first test case on using our new paper ballots, the state judiciary is setting an egregious precedent: nullifying audits and recounts in the interests of a quick decision.
http://www.wral.com/news/state/story/8805469/
TX: Republican challenges Democrat's state House win
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/tx/7347985.html
WA: Nick Handy retiring as Washington elections director
http://www.theolympian.com/2010/12/20/1480762/nick-handy-retiring-as-washington.html
WV: West Virginia Secretary of State's Office Releases Byrd Special Election Costs
http://westvirginia.watchdog.org/2318/west-virginia-secretary-of-states-office-releases-byrd-special-election-costs/
National
EAC: Notes from the Road: Ginnen Bresso-Beach [published December 15]
http://www.eac.gov/about_the_eac/notes_from_the_road_gineen_bresso_beach.aspx
I recently visited Georgia to observe early voting activities, then traveled to Florida to observe both early voting and Election Day activities. Voters in Georgia and Florida are very fortunate to have such innovative and dedicated election officials. Voters in these states have access to a lot of information and services online, and both states have made it a priority to improve services for military and overseas voters.
Internet Voting Watch
Canada: Maybe Internet will entice young voters
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/fyi/Maybe-Internet-will-entice-young-voters.html
Canada: The spectre of Internet voting turns up in Manitoba
http://nitroglycol.blogspot.com/2010/12/spectre-of-internet-voting-turns-up-in.html
International
Canada: Public Leery of Electronic Vote Count
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays-paper/Public+Leery+Electronic+Vote+Experts/4002109/story.html
India: EVMS - Good Idea. But Is It Time Yet?
http://news.webindia123.com/news/articles/India/20101220/1652601.html
Russia, India: ECI: CEC of Russian Federation to sign Mou on field of elections tomorrow
http://www.indiasnews.net/story/722009
The Russian Commission has evinced keen interest in the various electoral management systems followed by Election Commission of India, especially the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
Voting News archives here at http://votingnews.blogspot.com/Also at Twitter http://twitter.com/VotingNewsSubscribe to Voting News at this link: http://tinyurl.com/votingnews =============================================The Voting News is a free service made possible by the Verified Voting Foundation. You can help support the Voting News by sending a check to Verified Voting Foundation, PO Box 4104, Carlsbad, CA 92018. Be sure to note "for Voting News" in the memo line of your check! Your contribution is tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.Donate online at this link: http://tinyurl.com/donate-vnDisclaimer: Articles and commentary included in "Voting News" do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors of Voting News,or its allied organizations. Articles are selected for inclusion to inform subscribers'ability to draw their own conclusions based on noteworthy and credible news,research, legislation, and debate bearing on the integrity of elections.
All this and more in today's voting news below.
CA: Cheaper, popular mail-in ballots worry critics
http://californiawatch.org/dailyreport/cheaper-popular-mail-ballots-worry-critics-7479
CO: Retabulation flips election results
http://www.examiner.com/conservative-in-colorado-springs/retabulation-flips-election-results
IN: Monroe commissioners finalizing purchase of paper ballot-scanning system
http://www.heraldtimesonline.com/stories/2010/12/18/news.qp-9884661.sto
IN: McNamara's four-vote victory in Indiana House race is certified
http://www.courierpress.com/news/2010/dec/18/mcnamaras-four-vote-victory-indiana-house-race-cer/
MN: County election officials: We were stiffed by GOP
http://www.startribune.com/politics/recount/112108169.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUvDEhiaE3miUsZ
NJ: Recall Recount: Nothing Changes in West Wildwood
http://www.capemaycountyherald.com/article/government/west+wildwood/68758-recall+recount+nothing+changes
NY: Top NY Court Nixes Sen. Recount; GOP To Take Power in Albany
http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local-beat/Democrats-want-NY-Court-to-Order-Senate-Recount-112196244.html
New York's new voting machines have paper copies of every vote and the Democrats wanted all recounted in hopes there were errors and Johnson won.
However, the Court of Appeals says initial audits showed few discrepancies or ``a substantial possibility'' that Johnson won.
NY: Court Rejects Challenge to Republican Win of Nassau Senate Seathttp://www.law.com/jsp/nylj/PubArticleNY.jsp?id=1202476450504&Court_Rejects_Challenge_to_Republican_Win_of_Nassau_Senate_Seat&slreturn=1&hbxlogin=1
NY: Paper ballots offer certainty
http://www.newsday.com/opinion/oped/paper-ballots-offer-certainty-1.2556022
In New York's first test case on using our new paper ballots, the state judiciary is setting an egregious precedent: nullifying audits and recounts in the interests of a quick decision.
In Nassau County's 7th Senate District race, state courts have essentially ruled that even if New York's audit laws require further manual counting of paper ballots, accepting machine results and declaring a winner outweigh the public's right to know who really won the election.
NC: McCullough still ahead after NC judicial recounthttp://www.wral.com/news/state/story/8805469/
TX: Republican challenges Democrat's state House win
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/tx/7347985.html
WA: Nick Handy retiring as Washington elections director
http://www.theolympian.com/2010/12/20/1480762/nick-handy-retiring-as-washington.html
WV: West Virginia Secretary of State's Office Releases Byrd Special Election Costs
http://westvirginia.watchdog.org/2318/west-virginia-secretary-of-states-office-releases-byrd-special-election-costs/
National
EAC: Notes from the Road: Ginnen Bresso-Beach [published December 15]
http://www.eac.gov/about_the_eac/notes_from_the_road_gineen_bresso_beach.aspx
I recently visited Georgia to observe early voting activities, then traveled to Florida to observe both early voting and Election Day activities. Voters in Georgia and Florida are very fortunate to have such innovative and dedicated election officials. Voters in these states have access to a lot of information and services online, and both states have made it a priority to improve services for military and overseas voters.
Internet Voting Watch
Canada: Maybe Internet will entice young voters
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/fyi/Maybe-Internet-will-entice-young-voters.html
Canada: The spectre of Internet voting turns up in Manitoba
http://nitroglycol.blogspot.com/2010/12/spectre-of-internet-voting-turns-up-in.html
International
Canada: Public Leery of Electronic Vote Count
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays-paper/Public+Leery+Electronic+Vote+Experts/4002109/story.html
India: EVMS - Good Idea. But Is It Time Yet?
http://news.webindia123.com/news/articles/India/20101220/1652601.html
Russia, India: ECI: CEC of Russian Federation to sign Mou on field of elections tomorrow
http://www.indiasnews.net/story/722009
The Russian Commission has evinced keen interest in the various electoral management systems followed by Election Commission of India, especially the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
Voting News archives here at http://votingnews.blogspot.com/Also at Twitter http://twitter.com/VotingNewsSubscribe to Voting News at this link: http://tinyurl.com/votingnews =============================================The Voting News is a free service made possible by the Verified Voting Foundation. You can help support the Voting News by sending a check to Verified Voting Foundation, PO Box 4104, Carlsbad, CA 92018. Be sure to note "for Voting News" in the memo line of your check! Your contribution is tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.Donate online at this link: http://tinyurl.com/donate-vnDisclaimer: Articles and commentary included in "Voting News" do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors of Voting News,or its allied organizations. Articles are selected for inclusion to inform subscribers'ability to draw their own conclusions based on noteworthy and credible news,research, legislation, and debate bearing on the integrity of elections.
Friday, December 17, 2010
NY's Senate District 7 case moves on, Voting Rights Act challenge rejected, FEC elects new chair
In New York, an Appellate Court sends a suit for a full hand recount of the ballots cast in the State Senate District 7 race to the State Court of Appeals. in Washington, D.C., a Federal court turns back a challenge to a major provision of the Voting Rights Act, and Minnesota closes the books on its gubernatorial recount.
All this and more in today's Voting News below.
CA: Humboldt County Election Transparency Project officials to be honored by nonprofit
http://www.times-standard.com/localnews/ci_16872734
CO: An Election Gone Wrong
http://www.examiner.com/conservative-in-colorado-springs/an-election-gone-wrong
CT: 1 in 4 Emergency Ballots Not Counted in Bridgeport
http://www.newhavenadvocate.com/featured-news/1-in-4-emergency-ballots-not-counted-in-bridgeport-037822
IN: Republicans drop recount request, ask for special election
http://www.browncountyindiana.com/index.php?id=6477
MN: Dayton gets election certificate
http://www.minnpost.com/marylahammer/2010/12/16/24299/dayton_gets_election_certificate
MN: Sec. of State closes book on recount
http://ecmpostreview.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6902&Itemid=1
[Secretary of State] Ritchie plans to visit with local elections officials to document the cost of the recount to local government — the Legislature may be able to help cover the expense, he indicated.
Speaking of possible changes to state election law, Ritchie suggested bipartisan support exists for a proposal to reduce the state’s current automatic recount trigger for elections from half a percent to a quarter.
NV: State elections official to resign
http://www.lvrj.com/news/state-elections-official-to-resign-112038219.html?ref=219
NJ: Fox, Maxwell want recount in recall election
http://www.shorenewstoday.com/index.php/wildwood-mainmenu/wildwood-leader/7002-
fox-maxwell-want-recount-in-recall-election.html
NY: Appellate Court Moves 7th Senate Case to Court of Appeals
http://mineola.patch.com/articles/appellate-court-moves-7th-senate-case-to-court-of-appeals
The New York State Second Department Appellate Court has unanimously kicked an appeal for a hand recount in the race for New York's 7th Senate Seat from incumbent Sen. Craig Johnson, D - Port Washington, to the State Court of Appeals.
NY: Count the Paper
http://www.bolipari.com/boblog/2010/12/count-the-paper/
NY: Privacy, Misinformation Top Voting Machine Concerns
http://www.capitaltonight.com/2010/12/privacy-misinformation-top-voting-machine-concerns/
The League of Women Voters of New York State released the results of its 2010 voter survey, which basically codify a lot of anecdotal issues with the new electronic voting machines that we in the media heard during the September primary and November general election.
NY: Voters, Not Machines, Should Elect Candidates
http://www.commoncause.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=dkLNK1MQIwG&b=5287775&ct=8975779¬oc=1
OR: Recount finished; Bates is Winner
http://www.mailtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20101215/NEWS/12150312
National
National: FEC Elects Bauerly Chair, Hunter to Serve as Vice Chair - FEC Press Release
http://www.fec.gov/press/20101216Bauerlyas2011Vchair.shtml
National: Federal Judge Dismisses Challenge to Key Voting Rights Provision
http://legaltimes.typepad.com/blt/2010/12/federal-judge-dismisses-challenge-to-key-voting-rights-act-provision.html
Voting News archives here at http://votingnews.blogspot.com/Also at Twitter http://twitter.com/VotingNewsSubscribe to Voting News at this link: http://tinyurl.com/votingnews
=============================================The Voting News is a free service made possible by the Verified Voting Foundation. You can help support the Voting News by sending a check to Verified Voting Foundation, PO Box 4104, Carlsbad, CA 92018. Be sure to note "for Voting News" in the memo line of your check! Your contribution is tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.Donate online at this link: http://tinyurl.com/donate-vnDisclaimer: Articles and commentary included in "Voting News" do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors of Voting News,or its allied organizations. Articles are selected for inclusion to inform subscribers'ability to draw their own conclusions based on noteworthy and credible news,research, legislation, and debate bearing on the integrity of elections.
All this and more in today's Voting News below.
CA: Humboldt County Election Transparency Project officials to be honored by nonprofit
http://www.times-standard.com/localnews/ci_16872734
CO: An Election Gone Wrong
http://www.examiner.com/conservative-in-colorado-springs/an-election-gone-wrong
CT: 1 in 4 Emergency Ballots Not Counted in Bridgeport
http://www.newhavenadvocate.com/featured-news/1-in-4-emergency-ballots-not-counted-in-bridgeport-037822
IN: Republicans drop recount request, ask for special election
http://www.browncountyindiana.com/index.php?id=6477
MN: Dayton gets election certificate
http://www.minnpost.com/marylahammer/2010/12/16/24299/dayton_gets_election_certificate
MN: Sec. of State closes book on recount
http://ecmpostreview.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6902&Itemid=1
[Secretary of State] Ritchie plans to visit with local elections officials to document the cost of the recount to local government — the Legislature may be able to help cover the expense, he indicated.
Speaking of possible changes to state election law, Ritchie suggested bipartisan support exists for a proposal to reduce the state’s current automatic recount trigger for elections from half a percent to a quarter.
NV: State elections official to resign
http://www.lvrj.com/news/state-elections-official-to-resign-112038219.html?ref=219
NJ: Fox, Maxwell want recount in recall election
http://www.shorenewstoday.com/index.php/wildwood-mainmenu/wildwood-leader/7002-
fox-maxwell-want-recount-in-recall-election.html
NY: Appellate Court Moves 7th Senate Case to Court of Appeals
http://mineola.patch.com/articles/appellate-court-moves-7th-senate-case-to-court-of-appeals
The New York State Second Department Appellate Court has unanimously kicked an appeal for a hand recount in the race for New York's 7th Senate Seat from incumbent Sen. Craig Johnson, D - Port Washington, to the State Court of Appeals.
NY: Count the Paper
http://www.bolipari.com/boblog/2010/12/count-the-paper/
NY: Privacy, Misinformation Top Voting Machine Concerns
http://www.capitaltonight.com/2010/12/privacy-misinformation-top-voting-machine-concerns/
The League of Women Voters of New York State released the results of its 2010 voter survey, which basically codify a lot of anecdotal issues with the new electronic voting machines that we in the media heard during the September primary and November general election.
NY: Voters, Not Machines, Should Elect Candidates
http://www.commoncause.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=dkLNK1MQIwG&b=5287775&ct=8975779¬oc=1
OR: Recount finished; Bates is Winner
http://www.mailtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20101215/NEWS/12150312
National
National: FEC Elects Bauerly Chair, Hunter to Serve as Vice Chair - FEC Press Release
http://www.fec.gov/press/20101216Bauerlyas2011Vchair.shtml
National: Federal Judge Dismisses Challenge to Key Voting Rights Provision
http://legaltimes.typepad.com/blt/2010/12/federal-judge-dismisses-challenge-to-key-voting-rights-act-provision.html
Voting News archives here at http://votingnews.blogspot.com/Also at Twitter http://twitter.com/VotingNewsSubscribe to Voting News at this link: http://tinyurl.com/votingnews
=============================================The Voting News is a free service made possible by the Verified Voting Foundation. You can help support the Voting News by sending a check to Verified Voting Foundation, PO Box 4104, Carlsbad, CA 92018. Be sure to note "for Voting News" in the memo line of your check! Your contribution is tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.Donate online at this link: http://tinyurl.com/donate-vnDisclaimer: Articles and commentary included in "Voting News" do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors of Voting News,or its allied organizations. Articles are selected for inclusion to inform subscribers'ability to draw their own conclusions based on noteworthy and credible news,research, legislation, and debate bearing on the integrity of elections.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
More news from India, Indiana to review voter registration complaints, North Carolina's IRV recount continues
More news from India, Indiana to review voter registration complaints, North Carolina recount of IRV race continues...
Editor's Note: Verified Voting extends the deepest thanks to Joyce McCloy for her amazing work on the Voting News. We hope to maintain the Voting News at the high standard she has maintained.
AK: Murkowski Camp Expects Vote Certification by Christmas
http://realclearpolitics.blogs.time.com/2010/12/15/murkowski-camp-expects-vote-certification-by-christmas/
AR: Budget Committee Agrees to Pay Portion of Election Costs
http://www.katv.com/Global/story.asp?S=13673832
IN: State to review wrong-precinct voting
http://www.wibc.com/news/Story.aspx?id=1327108
NY: Editorial: How to Turn Off Voters
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/15/opinion/15wed3.html
NC: Counties recounting votes in instant runoff judge race
http://www.newbernsj.com/news/votes-93166-board-instant.html
OH: Brunner Proud of Elections Reforms
http://www.citybeat.com/cincinnati/article-22324-brunner-proud-of-elections-reforms.html
TX: Republican Jeffrey fires back at auditor's election challenge
http://www.beaumontenterprise.com/default/article/Republican-Jeffrey-fires-back-at-auditor-s-900250.php
International
India: Lecture on EVMs creates chaos in Gandhinagar, rescheduled
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/lecture-on-evms-creates-chaos-in-gandhinagar-rescheduled/725480/
Archives here at http://votingnews.blogspot.com/Also on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/VotingNews and at Twitter http://twitter.com/VotingNewsSubscribe to Voting News at this link:http://tinyurl.com/votingnews To assist with Daily Voting News, please send links to news articles to us at votingnews@earthlink.net
============================================="The Voting News is a free service made possible in part by support from Verified Voting Foundation. You can help support the Voting News by sending a check to Verified Voting Foundation, PO Box 4104, Carlsbad, CA 92018. Be sure to note "for Voting News" in the memo line of your check! Your contribution is tax deductible to the extent permitted by law."Donate online at this link: http://tinyurl.com/donate-vnDisclaimer: Articles and commentary included in "Voting News" do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors of Voting News,or its allied organizations. Articles are selected for inclusion to inform subscribers'ability to draw their own conclusions based on noteworthy and credible news,research, legislation, and debate bearing on the integrity of elections.
Editor's Note: Verified Voting extends the deepest thanks to Joyce McCloy for her amazing work on the Voting News. We hope to maintain the Voting News at the high standard she has maintained.
AK: Murkowski Camp Expects Vote Certification by Christmas
http://realclearpolitics.blogs.time.com/2010/12/15/murkowski-camp-expects-vote-certification-by-christmas/
AR: Budget Committee Agrees to Pay Portion of Election Costs
http://www.katv.com/Global/story.asp?S=13673832
IN: State to review wrong-precinct voting
http://www.wibc.com/news/Story.aspx?id=1327108
NY: Editorial: How to Turn Off Voters
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/15/opinion/15wed3.html
NC: Counties recounting votes in instant runoff judge race
http://www.newbernsj.com/news/votes-93166-board-instant.html
OH: Brunner Proud of Elections Reforms
http://www.citybeat.com/cincinnati/article-22324-brunner-proud-of-elections-reforms.html
TX: Republican Jeffrey fires back at auditor's election challenge
http://www.beaumontenterprise.com/default/article/Republican-Jeffrey-fires-back-at-auditor-s-900250.php
International
India: Lecture on EVMs creates chaos in Gandhinagar, rescheduled
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/lecture-on-evms-creates-chaos-in-gandhinagar-rescheduled/725480/
Archives here at http://votingnews.blogspot.com/Also on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/VotingNews and at Twitter http://twitter.com/VotingNewsSubscribe to Voting News at this link:http://tinyurl.com/votingnews To assist with Daily Voting News, please send links to news articles to us at votingnews@earthlink.net
============================================="The Voting News is a free service made possible in part by support from Verified Voting Foundation. You can help support the Voting News by sending a check to Verified Voting Foundation, PO Box 4104, Carlsbad, CA 92018. Be sure to note "for Voting News" in the memo line of your check! Your contribution is tax deductible to the extent permitted by law."Donate online at this link: http://tinyurl.com/donate-vnDisclaimer: Articles and commentary included in "Voting News" do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors of Voting News,or its allied organizations. Articles are selected for inclusion to inform subscribers'ability to draw their own conclusions based on noteworthy and credible news,research, legislation, and debate bearing on the integrity of elections.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Officials say e-voting researchers issued visas by mistake, recounts wind down, California turnout exceeds projections
India reportedly issues visas to e-voting researchers by mistake; recounts wind down in Maine, Oregon, and New Jersey; California turnout exceeds projections.
All this and more in today's Voting News below.
CA: Capitol Alert: 2010 election produced high voter turnout
http://blogs.sacbee.com/capitolalertlatest/2010/12/2010-election-produced-high-vo.html
The turnout was about five percentage points, or 800,000 voters, higher than the pre-election estimate made by the Field Institute, the state's leading polling organization. The secretary of state's office used to make pre-election predictions, but Bowen stopped the practice when she took office.
CA: Registrars defend against David Harmer accusations
http://news.engr.uconn.edu/uconn-team-ensures-election-integrity.php
IN: Recount Commission Dismisses Dems' SOS Challenge
http://www.wibc.com/news/Story.aspx?ID=1326799
IN: Dems may appeal sec. of state challenge dismissal
http://www.wwltv.com/news/politics/national/111761879.html
KS: Battle brews over plan to require photo ID to vote
http://www.ksn.com/news/local/story/Battle-brews-over-plan-to-require-photo-ID-to-vote/zHA_yUYw5Ey5uOrW6VBBVQ.cspx
KY: New voting machines are here (McCreary County)
http://mccrearyrecord.com/local/x1168753425/New-voting-machines-are-here
Haynes and his staff now have five months to familiarize McCreary County voters with the new system, which uses paper ballots. "I wouldn’t have wanted to start with a county election, but I hope to ease lines with this system," Haynes said. “I’m really excited about putting these machines into use.”
MA: Disputed house election raises question: who will be sworn in Jan. 5?
http://www.wickedlocal.com/sherborn/news/x719358088/Disputed-house-election-raises-question-who-will-be-sworn-in-Jan-5
ME: Maine casino vote recount effort dropped by opponents
http://ballotnews.org/2010/12/14/maine-casino-vote-recount-effort-dropped-by-opponents/
Dennis Bailey, executive director of Casinos No!, said, “We decided we had seen enough. We just were not seeing any big changes. But if we hadn’t done the recount, we would have always wondered. After all, it was one of the closest voting margins in state history.”
MN: Secretary of State thanks those who make democracy work
http://www.hometownsource.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=15981:secretary-of-state-thanks-those-who-make-our-democracy-work&catid=13:capitol-news&Itemid=29
NJ: Second recount of South Amboy election maintains results
http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20101214/NEWS/12140330/Second-recount-of-South-Amboy-election-maintains-results
OH: Sarantou sues over alleged vote error
http://toledoblade.com/article/20101214/NEWS09/12130420/-1/NEWS04
OH: [SOS-elect] Husted taps familiar faces for his senior staff
http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2010/12/13/husted-taps-familiar-faces-for-his-staff.html?sid=101
Secretary of State-elect Jon Husted has assembled an experienced team to serve as his senior staff, including Matthew Damschroder, the former director and current deputy director of the Franklin County Board of Elections.
OR: Tiernan partly satisfied by Multnomah recount
http://blog.oregonlive.com/mapesonpolitics/2010/12/tiernan_partly_satisfied_by_mu.html
But Tiernan said he's not done. He said the Republican Party will ask the Legislature to change the law to require more uniformity among counties on their ballot-handling procedures. And he said he'd like to give elections observers more power to intervene when they see a potential problem.
International
India: EVM flaw-finders not welcome in India?
http://goguu.com/2010/12/14/evm-flaw-finders-not-welcome-in-india/
India: EVM flaw-finders issued visa by mistake
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/EVM-flaw-finders-issued-visa-by-mistake/articleshow/7096316.cms
“We had never raised this issue with any ministry of the government of India,” deputy election commissioner Alok Shukla said. “Since we were contacted after they were denied entry, the commission felt we should clarify our position, and hence we wrote to the home ministry saying we were not opposed to the entry of anyone to India irrespective of the views they held about India’s electoral system. We are all for free speech,” Shukla said.
India: Hardnews Exclusive: We are examining the possibility of paper trails for the EVMs http://www.hardnewsmedia.com/2010/12/3751
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=============================================
"The Voting News is a free service made possible in part by support from Verified Voting Foundation. You can help support the Voting News by sending a check to Verified Voting Foundation, PO Box 4104, Carlsbad, CA 92018. Be sure to note "for Voting News" in the memo line of your check! Your contribution is tax deductible to the extent permitted by law."
Donate online at this link: http://tinyurl.com/donate-vn
Disclaimer: Articles and commentary included in "Voting News" do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors of Voting News,or its allied organizations. Articles are selected for inclusion to inform subscribers'ability to draw their own conclusions based on noteworthy and credible news,research, legislation, and debate bearing on the integrity of elections.
All this and more in today's Voting News below.
CA: Capitol Alert: 2010 election produced high voter turnout
http://blogs.sacbee.com/capitolalertlatest/2010/12/2010-election-produced-high-vo.html
The turnout was about five percentage points, or 800,000 voters, higher than the pre-election estimate made by the Field Institute, the state's leading polling organization. The secretary of state's office used to make pre-election predictions, but Bowen stopped the practice when she took office.
CA: Registrars defend against David Harmer accusations
CT: UConn Team Ensures Election Integrity
http://news.engr.uconn.edu/uconn-team-ensures-election-integrity.php
IN: Recount Commission Dismisses Dems' SOS Challenge
http://www.wibc.com/news/Story.aspx?ID=1326799
IN: Dems may appeal sec. of state challenge dismissal
http://www.wwltv.com/news/politics/national/111761879.html
KS: Battle brews over plan to require photo ID to vote
http://www.ksn.com/news/local/story/Battle-brews-over-plan-to-require-photo-ID-to-vote/zHA_yUYw5Ey5uOrW6VBBVQ.cspx
KY: New voting machines are here (McCreary County)
http://mccrearyrecord.com/local/x1168753425/New-voting-machines-are-here
Haynes and his staff now have five months to familiarize McCreary County voters with the new system, which uses paper ballots. "I wouldn’t have wanted to start with a county election, but I hope to ease lines with this system," Haynes said. “I’m really excited about putting these machines into use.”
MA: Disputed house election raises question: who will be sworn in Jan. 5?
http://www.wickedlocal.com/sherborn/news/x719358088/Disputed-house-election-raises-question-who-will-be-sworn-in-Jan-5
ME: Maine casino vote recount effort dropped by opponents
http://ballotnews.org/2010/12/14/maine-casino-vote-recount-effort-dropped-by-opponents/
Dennis Bailey, executive director of Casinos No!, said, “We decided we had seen enough. We just were not seeing any big changes. But if we hadn’t done the recount, we would have always wondered. After all, it was one of the closest voting margins in state history.”
MN: Secretary of State thanks those who make democracy work
http://www.hometownsource.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=15981:secretary-of-state-thanks-those-who-make-our-democracy-work&catid=13:capitol-news&Itemid=29
NJ: Second recount of South Amboy election maintains results
http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20101214/NEWS/12140330/Second-recount-of-South-Amboy-election-maintains-results
OH: Sarantou sues over alleged vote error
http://toledoblade.com/article/20101214/NEWS09/12130420/-1/NEWS04
OH: [SOS-elect] Husted taps familiar faces for his senior staff
http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2010/12/13/husted-taps-familiar-faces-for-his-staff.html?sid=101
Secretary of State-elect Jon Husted has assembled an experienced team to serve as his senior staff, including Matthew Damschroder, the former director and current deputy director of the Franklin County Board of Elections.
OR: Tiernan partly satisfied by Multnomah recount
http://blog.oregonlive.com/mapesonpolitics/2010/12/tiernan_partly_satisfied_by_mu.html
But Tiernan said he's not done. He said the Republican Party will ask the Legislature to change the law to require more uniformity among counties on their ballot-handling procedures. And he said he'd like to give elections observers more power to intervene when they see a potential problem.
International
India: EVM flaw-finders not welcome in India?
http://goguu.com/2010/12/14/evm-flaw-finders-not-welcome-in-india/
India: EVM flaw-finders issued visa by mistake
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/EVM-flaw-finders-issued-visa-by-mistake/articleshow/7096316.cms
“We had never raised this issue with any ministry of the government of India,” deputy election commissioner Alok Shukla said. “Since we were contacted after they were denied entry, the commission felt we should clarify our position, and hence we wrote to the home ministry saying we were not opposed to the entry of anyone to India irrespective of the views they held about India’s electoral system. We are all for free speech,” Shukla said.
India: Hardnews Exclusive: We are examining the possibility of paper trails for the EVMs http://www.hardnewsmedia.com/2010/12/3751
Archives here at http://votingnews.blogspot.com/
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Subscribe to Voting News at this link: http://tinyurl.com/votingnews
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=============================================
"The Voting News is a free service made possible in part by support from Verified Voting Foundation. You can help support the Voting News by sending a check to Verified Voting Foundation, PO Box 4104, Carlsbad, CA 92018. Be sure to note "for Voting News" in the memo line of your check! Your contribution is tax deductible to the extent permitted by law."
Donate online at this link: http://tinyurl.com/donate-vn
Disclaimer: Articles and commentary included in "Voting News" do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors of Voting News,or its allied organizations. Articles are selected for inclusion to inform subscribers'ability to draw their own conclusions based on noteworthy and credible news,research, legislation, and debate bearing on the integrity of elections.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Wikileaks, Estonia's internet election and 'Lessons Learned'. Editor's Note
Maryland Report – Scanners Cost Less than DREs..EAC has $2,000,000 in grants for voting system pre-election logic & accuracy testing & post-election audits...Wikileak describes actual attacks on a Estonia's first internet election in "SUBJECT: ESTONIA'S CYBER ATTACKS: LESSONS LEARNED"...Yesterday we ran a news article saying that US voting machine expert Alec Halderman was deported upon arrival in India. We have learned since that the article was wrong and Prof Halderman was not deported. We do not have a link yet.
All this and more in today's voting news below...
EDITORS NOTE: This is my last voting news. Sean Flaherty of www.VerifiedVoting.org will be editing the very next edition. I'm happy because because 1) Verified Voting has the resources and brain trust of experts to provide high quality news that you need, with ability to answer technical questions as well; and 2) I will now be free to go back to work on voting issues in my own state. You will be notified in advance if delivery of the Voting News changes.
Thanks again to all of you for your support. Thanks to Sean & Verified Voting for taking over! I am excited to have more free time to write & research issues in my state and nationally. It will be fun to just read the news instead of editing it. Remember, transparency is the oxygen of democracy. Sincerely, Joyce McCloy, editor.
Wikileak: Viewing cable 07TALLINN375, ESTONIA'S CYBER ATTACKS: LESSONS LEARNED http://wikileaks.ch/cable/2007/06/07TALLINN375.html
... ¶5. (C) E-VOTING. In March 2007, Estonia held the world's first national election where e-voting was used. From the outset of the crisis, the e-voting security team was immediately seconded to CERT and became a vital asset in responding to the attacks.
...
These experts were invaluable in addressing the wide variety of attacks (e.g., bots, spam, DDoS, Trojan Horses, etc.).
AK: Miller appeals ruling on write-in vote count
http://www.adn.com/2010/12/13/1601927/miller-faces-deadline-today-to.html
Miller filed his appeal Monday, three days after a lower court ruled against his lawsuit challenging how the state counted write-in ballots for his rival, Sen. Lisa Murkowski. Arguments are set for Friday.
CA: San Leandro to look at future of ranked-choice voting
http://www.insidebayarea.com/dailyreview/localnews/ci_16831489
CT: Analysis of What Happens When Elections Officials Print Too Few Ballots
http://www.ballot-access.org/2010/12/13/analysis-of-what-happens-when-elections-officials-print-too-few-ballots/
MD: Maryland Report – Scanners Cost Less than DREs
http://blog.verifiedvoting.org/2010/12/13/1299 The report recommends that the State should move to implement optical scan systems for “long-term cost-effectiveness and cost control.” and that “Maryland would spend $9.5 million less on an optical scan system than it would on a DRE system
NC: Not best way to boost confidence in elections
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/12/13/1906884/not-best-way-to-boost-confidence.html Instant Runoff Voting was alot faster than the counting.
TX: Straight-party voting bad for democracy, backers of ban say
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/politics/state/stories/DN-straightticket_13met.ART.State.Edition2.436136c.html
VA: Absentee Ballots' Suit Comes to an End
http://www.nbc29.com/Global/story.asp?S=13660375
Virginia election officials have agreed to take steps to make sure military members and Americans living overseas get a chance to cast absentee ballots
National
Voter ID a Misguided Effort
http://www.brennancenter.org/blog/archives/voter_id_misguided/
PUBLIC ADVOCATE DE BLASIO RELEASES REPORT ON IMPACT OF CITIZENS UNITED IN 2010 ELECTIONS http://pubadvocate.nyc.gov/news/2010-12-10/public-advocate-de-blasio-releases-report-impact-citizens-united-2010-elections
Felon Disenfranchisement in 2010
http://nonprofitvote.blogspot.com/2010/12/felon-disenfranchisement-in-2010.html
Despite the rulings, a New York Times editorial postured that "Their Debt is Paid." The editorial also found that more than five million Americans were unable to vote in November because of what the author described as "unjust and archaic state laws that disenfranchise former offenders, even when they have gone on to live crime-free lives."
The EAC has $2,000,000 in grants available for voting system pre-election logic and accuracy testing and post-election audits.
http://www.eac.gov/payments_and_grants/testing_and_auditing_grant.aspx
Comment on testing and certification manual
http://www.eac.gov/comment_period_begins_for_testing_and_certification_manual_2.0/
EAC is soliciting comments on version 2.0 of the EAC Testing and Certification Program Manual. The comment period ends Jan 31, 2011. See instructions for comment here.
Voting News by Joyce McCloy. Archives here at http://votingnews.blogspot.com/
Also on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/VotingNews and
at Twitter http://twitter.com/VotingNews
Subscribe to Voting News at this link: http://tinyurl.com/votingnews
To assist with Daily Voting News, please send links to news articles to us at votingnews@earthlink.net
=============================================
"The Voting News is a free service made possible in part by support from Verified Voting Foundation. You can help support the Voting News by sending a check to Verified Voting Foundation, PO Box 4104, Carlsbad, CA 92018. Be sure to note "for Voting News" in the memo line of your check! Your contribution is tax deductible to the extent permitted by law."
Donate online at this link: http://tinyurl.com/donate-vn
Disclaimer: Articles and commentary included in "Voting News" do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors of Voting News,or its allied organizations. Articles are selected for inclusion to inform subscribers'ability to draw their own conclusions based on noteworthy and credible news,research, legislation, and debate bearing on the integrity of elections
All this and more in today's voting news below...
EDITORS NOTE: This is my last voting news. Sean Flaherty of www.VerifiedVoting.org will be editing the very next edition. I'm happy because because 1) Verified Voting has the resources and brain trust of experts to provide high quality news that you need, with ability to answer technical questions as well; and 2) I will now be free to go back to work on voting issues in my own state. You will be notified in advance if delivery of the Voting News changes.
Thanks again to all of you for your support. Thanks to Sean & Verified Voting for taking over! I am excited to have more free time to write & research issues in my state and nationally. It will be fun to just read the news instead of editing it. Remember, transparency is the oxygen of democracy. Sincerely, Joyce McCloy, editor.
Wikileak: Viewing cable 07TALLINN375, ESTONIA'S CYBER ATTACKS: LESSONS LEARNED http://wikileaks.ch/cable/2007/06/07TALLINN375.html
... ¶5. (C) E-VOTING. In March 2007, Estonia held the world's first national election where e-voting was used. From the outset of the crisis, the e-voting security team was immediately seconded to CERT and became a vital asset in responding to the attacks.
...
These experts were invaluable in addressing the wide variety of attacks (e.g., bots, spam, DDoS, Trojan Horses, etc.).
AK: Miller appeals ruling on write-in vote count
http://www.adn.com/2010/12/13/1601927/miller-faces-deadline-today-to.html
Miller filed his appeal Monday, three days after a lower court ruled against his lawsuit challenging how the state counted write-in ballots for his rival, Sen. Lisa Murkowski. Arguments are set for Friday.
CA: San Leandro to look at future of ranked-choice voting
http://www.insidebayarea.com/dailyreview/localnews/ci_16831489
CT: Analysis of What Happens When Elections Officials Print Too Few Ballots
http://www.ballot-access.org/2010/12/13/analysis-of-what-happens-when-elections-officials-print-too-few-ballots/
MD: Maryland Report – Scanners Cost Less than DREs
http://blog.verifiedvoting.org/2010/12/13/1299 The report recommends that the State should move to implement optical scan systems for “long-term cost-effectiveness and cost control.” and that “Maryland would spend $9.5 million less on an optical scan system than it would on a DRE system
NC: Not best way to boost confidence in elections
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/12/13/1906884/not-best-way-to-boost-confidence.html Instant Runoff Voting was alot faster than the counting.
TX: Straight-party voting bad for democracy, backers of ban say
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/politics/state/stories/DN-straightticket_13met.ART.State.Edition2.436136c.html
VA: Absentee Ballots' Suit Comes to an End
http://www.nbc29.com/Global/story.asp?S=13660375
Virginia election officials have agreed to take steps to make sure military members and Americans living overseas get a chance to cast absentee ballots
National
Voter ID a Misguided Effort
http://www.brennancenter.org/blog/archives/voter_id_misguided/
PUBLIC ADVOCATE DE BLASIO RELEASES REPORT ON IMPACT OF CITIZENS UNITED IN 2010 ELECTIONS http://pubadvocate.nyc.gov/news/2010-12-10/public-advocate-de-blasio-releases-report-impact-citizens-united-2010-elections
Felon Disenfranchisement in 2010
http://nonprofitvote.blogspot.com/2010/12/felon-disenfranchisement-in-2010.html
Despite the rulings, a New York Times editorial postured that "Their Debt is Paid." The editorial also found that more than five million Americans were unable to vote in November because of what the author described as "unjust and archaic state laws that disenfranchise former offenders, even when they have gone on to live crime-free lives."
The EAC has $2,000,000 in grants available for voting system pre-election logic and accuracy testing and post-election audits.
http://www.eac.gov/payments_and_grants/testing_and_auditing_grant.aspx
Comment on testing and certification manual
http://www.eac.gov/comment_period_begins_for_testing_and_certification_manual_2.0/
EAC is soliciting comments on version 2.0 of the EAC Testing and Certification Program Manual. The comment period ends Jan 31, 2011. See instructions for comment here.
Voting News by Joyce McCloy. Archives here at http://votingnews.blogspot.com/
Also on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/VotingNews and
at Twitter http://twitter.com/VotingNews
Subscribe to Voting News at this link: http://tinyurl.com/votingnews
To assist with Daily Voting News, please send links to news articles to us at votingnews@earthlink.net
=============================================
"The Voting News is a free service made possible in part by support from Verified Voting Foundation. You can help support the Voting News by sending a check to Verified Voting Foundation, PO Box 4104, Carlsbad, CA 92018. Be sure to note "for Voting News" in the memo line of your check! Your contribution is tax deductible to the extent permitted by law."
Donate online at this link: http://tinyurl.com/donate-vn
Disclaimer: Articles and commentary included in "Voting News" do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors of Voting News,or its allied organizations. Articles are selected for inclusion to inform subscribers'ability to draw their own conclusions based on noteworthy and credible news,research, legislation, and debate bearing on the integrity of elections
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