Canada: Online voting: An open invitation to voting fraud - Vancouver Sun
The Internet voting system approved by Vancouver city council promises unprecedented and untraceable voter fraud if it is allowed to proceed. We can only hope the provincial government will have the good sense to reject the city's plan. On the face of it, the system would allow voters to cast their ballots from the comfort of their own home. The idea sounds attractive and inevitable. After all, isn't everything going online? Proponents suggest Internet voting will increase voter participation and will be secure. They are wrong on both counts. Internet systems are secure enough for banking, so you might think Internet voting systems are up to the task of collecting and counting votes. Unfortunately voting systems are different from online banking. Banking systems have audit trails that link the identity and conduct of a user. A voting system cannot link your name to your vote because the ballot must be secret. There is no way to determine whether a fraud has occurred or who committed it. This means that a candidate is deprived of the right to challenge results and have a recount. Internet voting systems presume that everything and everyone involved is beyond reproach. Banking systems accept a level of fraud. If a banking customer observes a fraud the transaction can be reversed. A voting system does not offer the voter the ability to posthumously examine a vote and does not afford officials the option of correcting an error. Read More
FL: Collier, state League of Women Voters to stop voter registrations, consider legal action due to election bill -
Naples Daily News
A national organization aimed at encouraging participation in government has said it will no longer register Floridians to vote after state lawmakers approved a sweeping overhaul to the state’s election code. Lydia Galton, president of the League of Women Voters of Collier County and director of the state board, said Monday that the Florida association decided to immediately stop voter registration efforts across the state after passage of House Bill 1355. “While the league remains committed to empowering an active and informed citizenry, we cannot and will not place thousands of volunteers at risk, subjecting them to a process in which one late form could result in their facing financial and civil penalties,” she said. “By passing House Bill 1355, the legislature has declared war on voters.” Galton said the decision to stop registering voters is a statewide initiative, and will be discussed at the state board meeting later this week. The League of Women Voters of Florida is “exploring legal remedies” to restore voter rights, she said. The bill, passed last week and yet to be signed by Gov. Rick Scott, requires groups that sign up new voters register with the state, file regular reports and turn in completed voter-registration forms within 48 hours. Read More
IN: Rokita calls White's release of report a mistake - nwi.com
Former Secretary of State Todd Rokita believes Secretary of State Charlie White erred in making public Rokita's investigation of White's voting history. On Thursday, White released the "Rokita Report," a 238-page compilation of public records that the report says shows "apparent, albeit rebuttable" intent by White to deliberately vote in the wrong precinct in the May 2010 GOP primary election. The report is partially the basis for seven felony charges, including three counts of voter fraud, pending against White in Hamilton County. Rokita, a Munster native, told The Times on Monday that White's decision to release the report could jeopardize future investigations. "If witnesses knew every time they came to the secretary of state's office their reports were going to be made public, you wouldn't have any witnesses," Rokita said. Read More
IA: 18 more counties want Cerro Gordo election software- Globe Gazette
The computer software developed by Cerro Gordo County continues to draw interest from counties throughout the state. The Precinct Atlas program, developed under the direction of Auditor Ken Kline, provides precinct election officials with step-by-step instructions on how to properly administer elections. Supervisors approved memorandums of understanding with 18 more counties Monday, bring the total to 24 this month that have expressed interest. The documentation allows the counties to contract with Cerro Gordo County for software maintenance and related functions. Read More
ME: Critics: GOP bill would disenfranchise Maine voters | The Portland Press Herald
A proposal aimed at easing the burden on municipal clerks around Election Day was opposed Monday by several groups that said eliminating same-day voter registration would disenfranchise Maine voters. L.D. 1376, sponsored by House Speaker Bob Nutting, R-Oakland, and supported by Secretary of State Charlie Summers, would ban absentee voting during the two business days before Election Day for most voters, and eliminate registration for most voters during the same period and on Election Day. "The rapid increase in absentee voting in the last decade has created new challenges for our municipalities," Nutting said during a public hearing before the Legislature's Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee. The Maine Town and City Clerks Association testified in support of the proposal, but said it would favor an amendment to remove the restrictions on voter registration. "I am a little bit concerned about disenfranchising voters. I'd much prefer to continue with the process we have in place," said Patti Dubois, Bangor's city clerk. Read More
ME: New Voting System Debated in Legislature MPBN.net
Diane Russell's goal is to enable Mainers to vote for their favorite gubernatorial candidate, rather than against their least favorite. "We want to make sure that the person elected to run our state shares the values of the vast majority of this state," said Russell. Her bill would enable voters to list candidates in order of preference - something that she feels would make the process more democratic if none of them get more than 50 percent of the vote, as often happens. In the case of no clear winner, a so-called "instant run-off" takes place, whereby the weakest candidate is eliminated, and his or her votes are re-distributed using the voters' second choice candidates. This process continues until one of them has more than 50 percent of the vote. This system, she says, gives voters more choice, enabling them to go for the candidate they like the most rather than having to vote strategically. "We're Americans we love choice. You got 3 different choices for ice cream, you want to go in and say 'I would love some chocolate ice cream'. 'You know what, we're fresh out.' 'Well, do you have vanilla?' Yeah we got vanilla.' 'Great I'll take vanilla.' Choice is all-American, the distinction is that we want to make sure we embrace that choice in the elections without spoiling the race," Russell said. Russell also argued it would make for more civilized political debate, and less mud-slinging, or negative campaigning. That, she says, is because a candidate would be less inclined to launch personal attacks against a rival, as this may alienate the rivals' supporters, who in turn would be less inclined to put that candidate as their second choice. Read More
PA: Measure to require voter ID at polling places moves ahead - Pittsburgh Post Gazette
A measure that would require voters to show photo identification when they go to cast their ballot now awaits consideration by the state House of Representatives, following a lengthy committee debate this morning. The bill from Rep. Daryl Metcalfe, R-Cranberry and chair of the State Government Committee, passed the panel on a party-lines vote of 15-9. Under the proposal, voters would be required to show a photo identification card issued by either the state or federal government. Pennsylvania voters currently are only required to show an ID during their first time at a polling site. If a voter does not have an ID card, the state Department of Transportation would issue one at no cost. That provision, added during this morning's meeting, was criticized by Democrats as potentially expensive. Mr. Metcalfe said an estimate of the cost has been requested, but was not yet available. Other changes in the amendment from Mr. Metcalfe would make the measure effective in January 2012, and would allow those who live in the same building as their polling place, such as those in an assisted-living facility, to only show ID if it is their first time at the polling location. More than a dozen other amendments from Democratic lawmakers, to expand the types of identification that would be accepted and provide exemptions to the requirement, were all rejected during the 2 1/2-hour meeting. Read More
TX: Restrictions on out-of-state voter registration pass as amendment | dallasnews.com
An elections bill by Rep. Larry Taylor, R-Friendswood, has a very broad caption - "relating to certain election procedures and practices" - and is subsequently beginning to look like a Christmas tree. For legislative lingo novices, that means lots of bills that haven't made it to the floor yet are being hung on the bill as amendments. "This should have never happened," said Rep. Marc Veasy, D-Fort Worth, a member of the House Elections Committee who helped kill some of them in committee, after the bill passed with no fewer than 17 bills/amendments, some of which had gotten no hearing. As an illustration of how the bill had become weighted down by other bills, when the debate was over, Rep. Dennis Bonnen said, "Christmas is over." One that failed: Rep. Rolando Gutierrez, D-San Antonio, tried to pass an amendment that would require elected officials who want to change parties step down from office and run again. He said those who won election in November and then switched parties in December were "committing fraud" on the electorate who had just voted for them over the candidate from the other party. Read More
TX: Voter ID appears to be headed to governor to become law | The Dallas Morning News
Legislation that would require Texans to show a photo ID before voting was given final approval by the Senate on Monday, with the House expected to sign on later and send the bill to the governor. Senators approved the measure 19-12 along partisan lines, signaling the apparent victory in a long effort by Republicans to require voters to prove their identity before casting a ballot. Democrats had managed to defeat the proposal in the last few legislative sessions, relying on parliamentary maneuvers and a large number of House Democrats. But that changed after last fall’s elections, when Republicans emerged with a supermajority in the House. The measure will still have to be reviewed by the U.S. Justice Department under the federal Voting Rights Act, designed to protect minority voting rights in several southern states. And Democrats in the House and Senate have laid the groundwork to contest the proposal when it comes up for review. Sen. Troy Fraser, R-Horseshoe Bay, author of the bill, said he is confident it will pass legal muster and noted that a similar photo ID requirement has been upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. “All people will be able to comply with the requirement and will be able to vote,” Fraser said. But Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston, predicted the justice department will frown on the barriers to voting erected by the new law. Democrats have maintained that the bill discriminates against senior citizens and lower income residents who are more likely to lack a photo ID and therefore may be denied their right to vote. Read More
WI: GOP moves quickly on voter ID bill - JSOnline
The fast pace of a bill requiring photo ID at the polls is the latest sign Republicans are moving quickly on their legislative agenda in the face of likely recall elections. The Joint Finance Committee approved the bill 12-2 Monday on party lines, despite fierce objections from Democrats that the bill was taken up when a key opponent of the bill couldn't attend for medical reasons. Rep. Robin Vos (R-Rochester), co-chairman of the committee, said the group had to meet Monday because Democrats will likely slow it down when it gets to the floor of the Assembly on Wednesday. To vote, people would have to show Wisconsin driver's licenses, state-issued ID cards, military IDs, passports, naturalization certificates, IDs issued by Wisconsin-based tribes or certain student IDs. Those living in nursing homes and the like would be exempt from the law, as would victims of stalking and those opposed to having their photos taken on religious grounds. The student IDs would be acceptable if they came from accredited colleges and universities in Wisconsin, included signatures, and expired within two years of being issued. Those showing college IDs would have to establish they are current students. People would be asked to show their IDs at elections later this year but would still be allowed to vote if they didn't have IDs with them. They would be told that the law is changing and that photo IDs would be required to vote in 2012. Read More
WI: Amended voter ID bill would take effect before recall elections - Wisconsin State Journal
Voters would be asked for a photo ID in the upcoming recall elections but would still be allowed to vote without one. They would then be informed that a photo ID would be mandatory beginning with the spring 2012 Primary. The Legislature's Joint Finance Committee passed an amended version of the photo ID bill Monday, removing a provision that required student IDs to carry correct addresses and moving up the date of implementation to immediately after the bill passes. "We were all wondering why there's such a rush on this bill — now we know," said state Rep. Jennifer Shilling, D-La Crosse. "It's about the recall elections. You feel the rules need to be changed right in the middle of the game." Six Republicans and three Democrats face Senate recalls this summer. Republicans hold a 19-14 majority, so a net victory of three seats would give the Democrats control. The first elections are scheduled for July 12. Photo ID has long been a divisive issue in Wisconsin, with Republicans championing the measure and Democrats saying it would suppress turnout among seniors, minorities, the disabled and college students — voter populations that lean heavily in their favor. Read More
International
Egypt: Imported voting machines can’t be trusted: CEC | Financial Express
After the revolution in Tahrir Square, Egyptian authorities consulted India’s Election Commission for help in conducting parliamentary polls in the country, only to get cautious advice from chief election commissioner (CEC) SY Quraishi. He asked his Egyptian counterpart to not import electronic voting machines (EVMs) from anywhere and get these manufactured domestically. Imported machines, however faultless they are, could be deemed suspect, he warned. “The validity of any election lies in the fairness of the process, if the machine is imported from somewhere, there is always a possibility that the election will be questioned as being rigged through the machines,” he said, in an interview to FE. The recent campaign against the use of EVMs in Indian elections, Quraishi said, hinges on the chip, “which is manufactured outside the country and is therefore supposed to be suspect”. “I was very clear that our process was very fair, but the indigenisation of manufacturing would make their elections invulnerable to such charges. I told anti-EVM campaigners as well, set up units which manufacture the chip in India, and we’ll talk,” he added. Read More
Ireland: Confining e-voting to the scrap heap - Connaugh Telegraph
The ill-conceived electronic voting system imposed on us by the former Government has cost us, the taxpayers, €58 million, a loss a bankrupt country can do without.
Environment Minister Phil Hogan has decided to pull the plug on e-voting and have a fire sale of the 7,504 machines held in storage at warehouses all over the country. A tender process is being prepared for international publication, which will detail the amount of memory and the software specifications in the machines in the hope some technology firm may be able to harvest some value from them before they are finally scrapped. The e-voting saga has proved an expensive lesson for this country. The concept was not sought nor wanted by the electorate. The unwanted units have been in storage since their purchase in 2002. One lease was signed for 15 years, the remainder for 10 to 15 years. Fewer than 1,000 machines were used on a pilot basis in Meath, Dublin West and Dublin North in the 2002 general election.
But controversy over the lack of a paper trail of the votes cast threw a shadow over their effectiveness. Read More
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, May 10, 2011
Monday, May 9, 2011
An interview with California Secretary of State Debra Bowen
CO: Colorado Attorney General's office answers Saguache County Clerk - Valley Courier
Colorado Deputy Attorney General Maurice Knaizer issued a response last Friday to the recent brief filed by Saguache County Clerk Melinda Myers and the Colorado County Clerk Association's (CCCA) amicus brief. The briefs were filed concerning the injunction entered against Myers by Secretary of State Scott Gessler in March to hand count ballots cast in the Saguache 2010 General Election. The injunction was sought after Myers refused to allow Gessler to review the ballots, protesting that this would violate the confidential nature of ballots cast. Knaizer's answer to the two briefs denied that the clerkТs office has the right to determine whether GesslerТs request is inappropriate or illegal, cited case law demonstrating the clerk must obey GesslerТs command and stated, the hand review is part and parcel of the review of the practices and procedures of the county with respect to the conduct of the 2010 primary and general elections in Saguache County. Read More
CA: An interview with California Secretary of State Debra Bowen - Daily Kos
Secretary Bowen has a reputation among California's online political community for her groundbreaking work on issues regarding the internet and election integrity (and for personally responding to Facebook messages and Twitter replies). I recently got the chance to catch up with Bowen in the district and talk to her about the election and her priorities. Please note that the publication of this interview here does not constitute an endorsement by Orange to Blue or DailyKos.
The general secretary of Nigeria’s main opposition Congress for Progressive Change [CPC] says his party is legally challenging the outcome of the April 16 presidential elections, saying they were marred by “irregularities.” Buba Galadima says his party can sufficiently document the alleged irregularities, which according to him, took place in both the north and the south. “We have more than enough evidence to prove that [there was rigging]. It is left for the Nigeria judiciary to accept our view,” he says. The party, says Galadima, will dispel the popular view that the election was “peaceful, credible and transparent.” The Congress for Progressive Change party is asking a court to throw out certain election results and order new polls in some areas. Read More
Voting News archives here at http://votingnews.blogspot.com/
Also at Twitter http://twitter.com/VotingNews
Subscribe 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.
Colorado Deputy Attorney General Maurice Knaizer issued a response last Friday to the recent brief filed by Saguache County Clerk Melinda Myers and the Colorado County Clerk Association's (CCCA) amicus brief. The briefs were filed concerning the injunction entered against Myers by Secretary of State Scott Gessler in March to hand count ballots cast in the Saguache 2010 General Election. The injunction was sought after Myers refused to allow Gessler to review the ballots, protesting that this would violate the confidential nature of ballots cast. Knaizer's answer to the two briefs denied that the clerkТs office has the right to determine whether GesslerТs request is inappropriate or illegal, cited case law demonstrating the clerk must obey GesslerТs command and stated, the hand review is part and parcel of the review of the practices and procedures of the county with respect to the conduct of the 2010 primary and general elections in Saguache County. Read More
CA: An interview with California Secretary of State Debra Bowen - Daily Kos
Secretary Bowen has a reputation among California's online political community for her groundbreaking work on issues regarding the internet and election integrity (and for personally responding to Facebook messages and Twitter replies). I recently got the chance to catch up with Bowen in the district and talk to her about the election and her priorities. Please note that the publication of this interview here does not constitute an endorsement by Orange to Blue or DailyKos.
You’re the current Secretary of State, but you have a deep history in this district.
I represented about 90% of this district, either for my entire 14 years in the Legislature, or for the eight years that I served in the State Senate. I don’t need a GPS unit to know where I’m going in the district. And one of the things that struck me when I’m out doing events is how many people I know. It’s nice to see all the young people who were too young to be involved in politics in 1992 show up in droves and get involved along with all the people who are wearing bifocals.
You’ve been known for a long time among California bloggers for the work you’ve done on internet and voter integrity issues. What do you consider your legacy?
The first thing would be AB1624. It was going to be a minor bill to put the legislature’s bill analyses, bill texts and voting records out in public online so that anyone could have access 24/7. We take that for granted now, but in 1992, that access did not exist anywhere in the world. The City of Santa Monica had planning commission agendas on a dial-up bulletin board system, and that was it. And that was my model. But some guys from Silicon Valley told me they had a better model; they said the bill needs to say that the information would go out over the world’s largest non-proprietary network, which is that series of tubes we now know as the internet! And we worked very closely with techies and geeks to get that bill passed and signed. It was actually one of the hardest bills I’ve ever carried because it had so much underground opposition; we never saw it, we didn’t know what they were doing, and it’s hard to combat that sort of opposition. Read More
FL: Opponents blast election reform bill | wtsp.com
If you're planning on getting married and changing your name, or moving to another part of Florida, pay attention. The way you vote may be impacted. An election reform bill that sailed through the House and Senate, despite intense debate, is headed for Governor Scott's desk.It aims to change a number of things about Florida's election code, including a forty-year-old law that allows voters to change their address and/or name at the polls on election day. If signed into law, voters wishing to make those changes will have to vote by provisional ballot, which some fear may not be counted. "Not allowing address or name changes on Election Day will create an undue burden on eligible voters and will create tens of thousands of unnecessary provisional ballots," said Pinellas Co. Supervisor of Elections Deborah Clark. "This will also result in long lines at the polls and discourage many voters from voting. Current state statutes effectively prevent widespread voter fraud in Florida. The proposed election reform bills contain provisions that frankly are trying to 'fix' problems that do not exist." Read More
NC: North Carolina Lawyers Challenge Section 5 of Voting Rights Act in D.C. Circuit - The BLT
Lawyers for a group of North Carolina residents who favor nonpartisan municipal elections in their city urged a federal appeals court in Washington today to strike down the federal law the U.S. Justice Department enforced to block a referendum to change the city's electoral scheme. The city of Kinston, N.C., sought permission from the Justice Department to amend the city’s electoral system to a nonpartisan ballot. In August 2009, Attorney General Eric Holder Jr. said the “elimination of party affiliation on the ballot will likely reduce the ability of blacks to elect candidates of their choice.” Kinston is more than 60% black. Kinston city officials that year declined to challenge Holder’s objection to the proposed electoral changes. The city’s decision raised questions of whether the plaintiffs have standing to pursue their own challenge of Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act. Read More
WI: As voter ID bill heads toward passage, the only certainty is a high price tag - Wiscon State Journal
Steven Prieve saw a lot of interesting things in his 10 years of running a polling place in Madison. The 59-year-old retired repairman watched as groups of Hmong immigrants arrived with translators in tow. He witnessed droves of students vote in their first elections. And he helped many elderly take part in some of their last. But despite the thousands of people he helped over the years, Prieve never witnessed someone voting twice or trying to vote under a fake name. "I just don't see the fraud," he said. "Not around here." This week the state Legislature will debate a controversial measure requiring voters to show a photo identification before they can cast a ballot. The legislation, which proponents say will prevent people from voting illegally, would give Wisconsin arguably the most restrictive voter identification law in the country. Proponents say combating voter fraud, no matter how rare, is a good thing. And they say it is reasonable to expect the same level of scrutiny for voting as for cashing checks, renting cars or using credit cards. But critics say the measure is a solution without a problem. They say fears of voter fraud are overblown, and photo ID laws discourage many people from voting, especially college students, seniors, minorities and people with disabilities. Read More
SD: Sioux Falls Election to Use New E-Poll Book Voting System - Dakota Voice
Secretary of State Jason Gant announced today that the Sioux Falls School District will join the Yankton School District on Tuesday, May 24th to be the first two local elections in the state to utilize the State Election Reporting Systems for their local races. And, for the Sioux Falls School District, the election will also represent the implementation of a measure sponsored by Gant during his last year in the State Senate to allow a school district to conduct an election using voting centers and electronic records. In 2010, then State Senator Gant sponsored and passed Senate Bill 101, an act to authorize certain school districts to conduct school board elections during 2011 using voting centers and electronic poll books. This measure created a variance in State Law to allow certain school districts the ability to use voting centers in lieu of establishing precincts for the election, and to utilize electronic poll books interlinked across the school district.Secretary Gant noted “I’m very excited that as Secretary of State, I get to implement one of the bills I sponsored as a legislator. Sioux Falls will act as a pilot project for some of the newest innovations in election technology. Instead of designated precincts, voters will be able to cast their ballot at any voting center located through out the city for the election. The key to the process are the electronic poll books, which are interlinked. Once a person is recorded as having voted in one location, they are marked as having voted in all of them, preventing anyone from voting more than once.” Read More
WI: Recount moves along, but not without questions - Inter-County Leader
The recount in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race may take some extra time. Also, the campaign of challenger JoAnne Kloppenburg is raising questions about the recount process. Currently, the recount is about 75-percent complete. Waukesha County is one of more than a dozen counties that hasn't finished its work yet. On Thursday, May 5, at the county courthouse, people working at several tables poured through ballots from the City of Brookfield, votes that the Waukesha County Clerk says she neglected to add in on Election Night but later did, giving about a 7,000 vote lead to incumbent justice David Prosser. Read More
International
Albania holds local elections amid unrest - CBS News
Albanians cast ballots Sunday to elect the local authorities amid reports of incidents among political rivals following an election campaign marred by violence. The main focus of the poll is the capital, Tirana, where the leader of the opposition and three-time Mayor Edi Rama is running for re-election against former Interior Minister Lulzim Basha of the governing Democratic Party. The first preliminary results are expected Monday, according to election officials. During the monthlong electoral campaign, police reported about 60 violent incidents, including explosions, several stabbing, beatings and threats that have led to about a dozen arrests. In January, political violence peaked with riots in which four opposition Socialists supporters were shot dead. More than 5,000 police officers were deployed to protect polling stations Sunday, and authorities and the local media reported a spate of incidents, including clashes between rival voting commission members as well as voters. A private national television station said one of its cameras was stolen. Read More
Canada: Internet voting fraud inevitable, says expert - CityCaucus.com
It's become an all too commonplace occurrence at Vancouver city council – a staff report is filed as 'late distribution' and posted on the Vancouver.ca website a day before it is to be voted upon. In this case it was about whether the City of Vancouver approves the adoption of internet voting in time for the 2011 election. The staff report was brief and to the point. Internet voting has been tried in other (smaller) Canadian jurisdictions, and anecdotally at least there has been no reported abuse. Therefore it is recommended by staff that Vancouver takes a leap of faith and tries it out during advanced polls this fall. Oh, and it won't add any additional cost to how we vote. Those who have watched Vision Vancouver with a critical eye know to never take anything from the minds of their party strategists at face value. Unfortunately, that's exactly what appears to have happened when it came to coverage of this topic. If you are to believe what was reported, this was simply an effort to move toward modernity and increase voter participation. Risks? Pah! Only Councillor Suzanne Anton voted against the proposal, and during the council meeting her concerns about possible voter fraud and the risks associated with technology were dismissed as mere narrow-mindedness by others on council. Read More
The general secretary of Nigeria’s main opposition Congress for Progressive Change [CPC] says his party is legally challenging the outcome of the April 16 presidential elections, saying they were marred by “irregularities.” Buba Galadima says his party can sufficiently document the alleged irregularities, which according to him, took place in both the north and the south. “We have more than enough evidence to prove that [there was rigging]. It is left for the Nigeria judiciary to accept our view,” he says. The party, says Galadima, will dispel the popular view that the election was “peaceful, credible and transparent.” The Congress for Progressive Change party is asking a court to throw out certain election results and order new polls in some areas. Read More
Voting News archives here at http://votingnews.blogspot.com/
Also at Twitter http://twitter.com/VotingNews
Subscribe 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.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Florida Senate passes election law overhaul, Alternative Vote Crushed in UK
FL: Charles Zelden: Changes in election law remind us of another era | floridatoday.com
Recent events remind us that Florida truly is a Southern state. Legislation that would radically revise Florida's election laws was passed Thursday by the Senate (SB 1355) and now is headed back to the House for likely fast-tracked approval. These changes include:
Removing provisions in place since the 1970s that allow registered voters to change their names and addresses in elections records on Election Day and still vote using a regular ballot.
Allowing poll watchers to challenge the legitimacy of voters, which would automatically require those voters to fill out provisional ballots, which are less likely to be counted than standard ballots.
Severely restricting the ability of grass-roots groups to register new voters by enacting new restrictions and fines.
While technically neutral in their intent and effect, the proposed "reforms" hark back to a dark era in Florida's history. For most of the 20th century, Florida — like the rest of the South — tried to deny the right to vote to black citizens. Reasons ran the gamut; from race-specific vote denials to technically race-neutral rules that just happened to have the effect of excluding black voters. Read More
FL: Florida legislature OKs elections-law overhaul - MiamiHerald.com
After dueling allegations that it was either a "protection against voting fraud" or a "disenfranchisement act," Florida lawmakers on Thursday approved a 157-page overhaul of the state's elections code. The House voted 77-38 along party lines to pass the bill (HB 1355); the Senate had voted 25-13 earlier in the day. Paula Dockery of Lakeland and Mike Fasano of New Port Richey were the only Senate Republicans to break ranks and vote against it. The measure now goes to Gov. Rick Scott, who is expected to sign it into law. Among other provisions, the bill reduces early voting time to one week and requires groups that sign up voters to register with the state. Immediately after the vote, Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson asked Scott to veto the bill. If Scott signs it, Nelson said he'll ask the Justice Department to look into whether it violates federal voting-rights law. "There are just too many questions about whether this measure would disenfranchise an untold number of Floridians," Nelson said. No matter their party affiliation, Floridians still smart over their state's reputation from 2000, made famous by butterfly ballots, hanging chads and an aborted presidential-election recount. Rep. Franklin Sands, a Weston Democrat, summed up the view of his colleagues in the House: "This is a mean-spirited attempt to disenfranchise Democratic-leaning voters and no more." Read More
IN: Indiana Secretary of State Charlie White Releases Rokita Report
Indiana Secretary of State Charlie White’s office today released a report compiled by then Indiana Secretary of State Todd Rokita at the request of the Indiana State Democratic Party. Rokita had petitioned to have the report exempt from public record requests, and the move by White comes after final approval from the Indiana Inspector General regarding its release. Earlier today, the Indiana Inspector General issued a report clearing Indiana Secretary of State Charlie White of any wrongdoing regarding access to the report prepared by his predecessor. Prosecutors had alleged Secretary White had wrongfully accessed the report, yet the report indicates nothing improper. Furthermore, the Inspector General cleared the way to release the Rokita report per the request of Secretary White almost two months ago. Rokita had previously made the report inaccessible by public records request. In pushing transparency within the office, White’s administration had promised to release the report pending approval from the Indiana Attorney General, the Indiana Public Access Counselor and the Indiana Inspector General. With the Inspector General being the last to sign off as of this morning, the report is being prepared for public access. “As promised almost two months ago, we are providing the report in its entirety to allow Hoosiers an opportunity to see the facts for what they are,” White spokesman AJ Feeney-Ruiz said. “We continue to push for transparency and we applaud the Inspector General for allowing us to do so.” Read More
MN: Voter ID-card bill clears House | StarTribune.com
A controversial GOP-sponsored elections bill requiring voters to show photo ID at the polls is nearing the governor’s desk after clearing the Minnesota House Thursday. The measure passed on a 73-to-59 largely party-line vote after the Senate approved a similar bill last week. The unified show of Republican support is just the latest signal that the issue has become a top GOP priority. Anticipating a likely veto from Gov. Mark Dayton, Republican lawmakers have already introduced a constitutional amendment proposal that would bypass the governor and put the issue on the ballot in 2012. “Minnesotans are yearning for a voting system in Minnesota that removes the uncertainty that we’ve seen in the past few elections” said Rep. Steve Drazkowski, R-Mazeppa. The bill would also eliminate vouching for Election Day registrants and create a new system of provisional balloting. The state would begin doling out free voter identification to people without an appropriate ID if they could prove their citizenship and provide a “photographic identity document.” Read More
NC: Budget puts North Carolina's elections at risk - NewsObserver.com
North Carolina currently ranks high in election integrity, but it wasn’t always so. Prior to 2000, we had no uniform standards for voting systems and election administration. Our 100 counties used 18 different types of voting machines, some nearly 40 years old. Four suppliers of the machines were no longer in business, maintenance was limited, vendor support was sparse and security was a joke. Training for poll workers and election staff was disjointed and incomplete. All counties did their own thing with ballot printing, and few complied with federal laws and standards. So, in 2004, we had a Florida-style meltdown, with the loss of nearly 5,000 votes in Carteret County, machines crashing, votes missing or counted twice by accident, etc. These were largely systemic problems that came from not having or complying with standards for election integrity. After the meltdown, the General Assembly formed a special committee, which took weeks of testimony from experts. The resulting Public Confidence in Elections Act passed with unanimous bipartisan support and became law in August 2005. That law created statewide standards administered by the State Board of Elections. Every county must have machines, software, ballot designs, etc., that must be tested, certified and maintained as a system. The law also required post-election audits and collection and publication of election data for improving future elections. That law transformed us from a Florida-style laughingstock in 2004 to being ranked No. 1 in 2006 on our ability to count votes and audit elections, as well as being ranked as one of the top eight states in readiness for the 2008 general election. Funding from the Help America Vote Act helped get us there. We got a share of $3.8 billion distributed to all states for equipment replacement and other maintenance/upgrades, allocated by Congress in 2002. Read More
Voter ID - an idea worse than it seems | StarTribune.com
"I think it's a privilege. It's not a right," Minnesota GOP House Speaker Kurt Zellers said about voting during an Easter recess radio interview. He soon backtracked, as opponents of a GOP-sponsored change in voting requirements pounced on his words. Zellers did well to recant. No other individual right is as clearly guaranteed in the state and federal constitutions to all citizens of eligible age and residency. This state's nation-leading voter turnout attests to how deeply Minnesotans value that promise. Yet whether intentional or not, Zellers' misstatement aptly describes the consequences of a GOP initiative that's likely to land on the 2012 ballot as a proposed constitutional amendment. It would make voting harder for thousands of Minnesotans -- those who are already underrepresented at the polls. GOP legislators here and around the country are making a concerted push to require voters to present a government-issued photo ID card at the polls before registering to vote or receiving a ballot. Election Day registration using utility bills or the sworn voucher of a neighbor to prove residency, allowed since 1974, would be eliminated. Those who cannot produce a valid ID card on Election Day would be allowed to cast a provisional ballot, then would need to appear at a government office within one week with the requisite ID in order for the ballot to be counted. Read More
Recent events remind us that Florida truly is a Southern state. Legislation that would radically revise Florida's election laws was passed Thursday by the Senate (SB 1355) and now is headed back to the House for likely fast-tracked approval. These changes include:
Removing provisions in place since the 1970s that allow registered voters to change their names and addresses in elections records on Election Day and still vote using a regular ballot.
Allowing poll watchers to challenge the legitimacy of voters, which would automatically require those voters to fill out provisional ballots, which are less likely to be counted than standard ballots.
Severely restricting the ability of grass-roots groups to register new voters by enacting new restrictions and fines.
While technically neutral in their intent and effect, the proposed "reforms" hark back to a dark era in Florida's history. For most of the 20th century, Florida — like the rest of the South — tried to deny the right to vote to black citizens. Reasons ran the gamut; from race-specific vote denials to technically race-neutral rules that just happened to have the effect of excluding black voters. Read More
FL: Florida legislature OKs elections-law overhaul - MiamiHerald.com
After dueling allegations that it was either a "protection against voting fraud" or a "disenfranchisement act," Florida lawmakers on Thursday approved a 157-page overhaul of the state's elections code. The House voted 77-38 along party lines to pass the bill (HB 1355); the Senate had voted 25-13 earlier in the day. Paula Dockery of Lakeland and Mike Fasano of New Port Richey were the only Senate Republicans to break ranks and vote against it. The measure now goes to Gov. Rick Scott, who is expected to sign it into law. Among other provisions, the bill reduces early voting time to one week and requires groups that sign up voters to register with the state. Immediately after the vote, Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson asked Scott to veto the bill. If Scott signs it, Nelson said he'll ask the Justice Department to look into whether it violates federal voting-rights law. "There are just too many questions about whether this measure would disenfranchise an untold number of Floridians," Nelson said. No matter their party affiliation, Floridians still smart over their state's reputation from 2000, made famous by butterfly ballots, hanging chads and an aborted presidential-election recount. Rep. Franklin Sands, a Weston Democrat, summed up the view of his colleagues in the House: "This is a mean-spirited attempt to disenfranchise Democratic-leaning voters and no more." Read More
IN: Indiana Secretary of State Charlie White Releases Rokita Report
Indiana Secretary of State Charlie White’s office today released a report compiled by then Indiana Secretary of State Todd Rokita at the request of the Indiana State Democratic Party. Rokita had petitioned to have the report exempt from public record requests, and the move by White comes after final approval from the Indiana Inspector General regarding its release. Earlier today, the Indiana Inspector General issued a report clearing Indiana Secretary of State Charlie White of any wrongdoing regarding access to the report prepared by his predecessor. Prosecutors had alleged Secretary White had wrongfully accessed the report, yet the report indicates nothing improper. Furthermore, the Inspector General cleared the way to release the Rokita report per the request of Secretary White almost two months ago. Rokita had previously made the report inaccessible by public records request. In pushing transparency within the office, White’s administration had promised to release the report pending approval from the Indiana Attorney General, the Indiana Public Access Counselor and the Indiana Inspector General. With the Inspector General being the last to sign off as of this morning, the report is being prepared for public access. “As promised almost two months ago, we are providing the report in its entirety to allow Hoosiers an opportunity to see the facts for what they are,” White spokesman AJ Feeney-Ruiz said. “We continue to push for transparency and we applaud the Inspector General for allowing us to do so.” Read More
MN: Voter ID-card bill clears House | StarTribune.com
A controversial GOP-sponsored elections bill requiring voters to show photo ID at the polls is nearing the governor’s desk after clearing the Minnesota House Thursday. The measure passed on a 73-to-59 largely party-line vote after the Senate approved a similar bill last week. The unified show of Republican support is just the latest signal that the issue has become a top GOP priority. Anticipating a likely veto from Gov. Mark Dayton, Republican lawmakers have already introduced a constitutional amendment proposal that would bypass the governor and put the issue on the ballot in 2012. “Minnesotans are yearning for a voting system in Minnesota that removes the uncertainty that we’ve seen in the past few elections” said Rep. Steve Drazkowski, R-Mazeppa. The bill would also eliminate vouching for Election Day registrants and create a new system of provisional balloting. The state would begin doling out free voter identification to people without an appropriate ID if they could prove their citizenship and provide a “photographic identity document.” Read More
NC: Budget puts North Carolina's elections at risk - NewsObserver.com
North Carolina currently ranks high in election integrity, but it wasn’t always so. Prior to 2000, we had no uniform standards for voting systems and election administration. Our 100 counties used 18 different types of voting machines, some nearly 40 years old. Four suppliers of the machines were no longer in business, maintenance was limited, vendor support was sparse and security was a joke. Training for poll workers and election staff was disjointed and incomplete. All counties did their own thing with ballot printing, and few complied with federal laws and standards. So, in 2004, we had a Florida-style meltdown, with the loss of nearly 5,000 votes in Carteret County, machines crashing, votes missing or counted twice by accident, etc. These were largely systemic problems that came from not having or complying with standards for election integrity. After the meltdown, the General Assembly formed a special committee, which took weeks of testimony from experts. The resulting Public Confidence in Elections Act passed with unanimous bipartisan support and became law in August 2005. That law created statewide standards administered by the State Board of Elections. Every county must have machines, software, ballot designs, etc., that must be tested, certified and maintained as a system. The law also required post-election audits and collection and publication of election data for improving future elections. That law transformed us from a Florida-style laughingstock in 2004 to being ranked No. 1 in 2006 on our ability to count votes and audit elections, as well as being ranked as one of the top eight states in readiness for the 2008 general election. Funding from the Help America Vote Act helped get us there. We got a share of $3.8 billion distributed to all states for equipment replacement and other maintenance/upgrades, allocated by Congress in 2002. Read More
SD: Sioux Falls Election to Use New E-Poll Book Voting System - Dakota Voice
Secretary of State Jason Gant announced today that the Sioux Falls School District will join the Yankton School District on Tuesday, May 24th to be the first two local elections in the state to utilize the State Election Reporting Systems for their local races. And, for the Sioux Falls School District, the election will also represent the implementation of a measure sponsored by Gant during his last year in the State Senate to allow a school district to conduct an election using voting centers and electronic records. In 2010, then State Senator Gant sponsored and passed Senate Bill 101, an act to authorize certain school districts to conduct school board elections during 2011 using voting centers and electronic poll books. This measure created a variance in State Law to allow certain school districts the ability to use voting centers in lieu of establishing precincts for the election, and to utilize electronic poll books interlinked across the school district.Secretary Gant noted “I’m very excited that as Secretary of State, I get to implement one of the bills I sponsored as a legislator. Sioux Falls will act as a pilot project for some of the newest innovations in election technology. Instead of designated precincts, voters will be able to cast their ballot at any voting center located through out the city for the election. The key to the process are the electronic poll books, which are interlinked. Once a person is recorded as having voted in one location, they are marked as having voted in all of them, preventing anyone from voting more than once.” After the election is conducted, the Sioux Falls School District will be required to submit a report to the Secretary of State and the State Legislature by September 1, 2011, including the estimated cost savings achieved as a result of the voting center approach, any challenges, problems, or benefits that resulted from using the voting center approach, and any other relevant information related to the election. “The use of voting centers will help remove the confusion that some people experience when trying to figure out what polling location they’re supposed to use, because under this pilot project, they can access their ballot from all school district voting locations,” Gant said. Secretary Gant will be directly on-hand during much of the testing and implementation of the voting center approach, since if it is successful, it could represent the next step in election technology for South Dakota voters. Secretary Gant said “If we have a successful test, it represents an incredible improvement in how election officials deliver services.” Read More
Voter ID - an idea worse than it seems | StarTribune.com
"I think it's a privilege. It's not a right," Minnesota GOP House Speaker Kurt Zellers said about voting during an Easter recess radio interview. He soon backtracked, as opponents of a GOP-sponsored change in voting requirements pounced on his words. Zellers did well to recant. No other individual right is as clearly guaranteed in the state and federal constitutions to all citizens of eligible age and residency. This state's nation-leading voter turnout attests to how deeply Minnesotans value that promise. Yet whether intentional or not, Zellers' misstatement aptly describes the consequences of a GOP initiative that's likely to land on the 2012 ballot as a proposed constitutional amendment. It would make voting harder for thousands of Minnesotans -- those who are already underrepresented at the polls. GOP legislators here and around the country are making a concerted push to require voters to present a government-issued photo ID card at the polls before registering to vote or receiving a ballot. Election Day registration using utility bills or the sworn voucher of a neighbor to prove residency, allowed since 1974, would be eliminated. Those who cannot produce a valid ID card on Election Day would be allowed to cast a provisional ballot, then would need to appear at a government office within one week with the requisite ID in order for the ballot to be counted. Read More
International
UK: 10 reasons the AV referendum was lost | guardian.co.uk
No one ever claimed that Guardian readers were representative of the wider population, but compare the referendum result with the views you expressed in our own survey a couple of years ago, and you could be forgiven for thinking that planet Guardian exists in an entirely different universe. At the height of the expenses crisis, 5,000 of you gave your views on a new politics, and by a country mile you said that the top priority had to be fixing the voting system. Well, the nation has now had its say on electoral reform of a type, and has decisively flipped its thumbs down. But this is not, in fact, a case of a chasm between those branded the chattering classes by their detractors, and the wider population. A year ago, opinion polls were suggesting strong support for the general idea of reform, and even recording double-digit leads for the particular option of the alternative vote, which has now been so squarely rejected. So there was a chance for change, but that chance was blown. Here is a quick top 10 of the reasons why. As with the hit parade, we will work our way up from the bottom, until we reach the top spot in the blame game. Read More
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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.
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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.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Omaha World-Herald Sells interest in ES&S, Tennessee needs a paper trail for every vote
CA: Yee's Online Voter Registration Bill Moves Forward - South San Francisco, CA Patch
Sen. Leland Yee’s bill to fast track online voter registration took an initial step forward yesterday. On a party line, 3-2 vote, the Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee approved Senate Bill 397, which would allow voters to register to vote by submitting an electronic affidavit via their county’s election office website. “Not only do we think it will result in more individuals being registered because it is easier to register online,” said Adam Keigwin, chief of staff for Yee, D-San Francisco, “it will save significant costs to taxpayers and election offices.” Opponents, however, say it’s already easy enough to register to vote on paper and the online system could create more opportunities for voter fraud. Read More
FL: Florida Senate passes controversial elections bill – Orlando Sentinel
The Florida Senate passed a massive overhaul of state election law by a 25-13 vote Thursday that would make changes to early voting, limit a voter’s ability to change his or her address or name at the polls and set up a presidential primary committee. Sen. Miguel Diaz de la Portilla, R-Miami, the sponsor of the bill, said it’s “about making every vote count” and rooting out fraud. “The fact is there’s a lot of bad actors out there and there’s an opportunity currently to game the system,” he said. The bill would cut the time for early voting from 14 days to eight. Local supervisors of elections could keep their early voting sites open anywhere from six hours to 12 hours per day. That would allow a maximum of 96 hours of early voting — the same number allowed today, but over fewer days. Read More
IN: Decision on Secretary of State White's eligibility to be made by June 30 | The Indianapolis Star
The Indiana Recount Commission will reach a decision on Secretary of State Charlie White's eligibility to hold office by June 30. The commission met Wednesday to set a schedule for resolving a challenge to White's candidacy by Democrats, who contend that White wasn't eligible to run because he was registered to vote at the wrong address when he declared his intention to run. The commission dismissed the complaint in December, but Marion Circuit Judge Louis Rosenberg ruled April 7 that the complaint is valid. In an order issued Monday, he told the commission to resolve the complaint by July 6. A hearing on the case has been scheduled for June 21, and the commission will issue its findings by June 30. The commission on Wednesday also told White's office to give the attorney general's office a report that former Secretary of State Todd Rokita compiled about White's voter registration. Democrats have wanted to see the report for months and could get their hands on it after the commission reviews it and determines whether it's relevant to their complaint. Read More
IN: Error fixed, 61 votes separate Westfield GOP mayor candidates | The Indianapolis Star
A couple of possible irregularities before and during Tuesday's primary election has one candidate for Westfield mayor weighing his options. About 131 votes in the Westfield's Southwest Precinct weren't properly tabulated Tuesday night, election administrator Kathy Richardson confirmed this morning. Richardson said an error regarding council districts was caught early Tuesday and corrected, but the voting electronics wouldn't accept the amended information. Workers manually tabulated results using the voting tape this morning, and no races seem adversely affected by the mishap. Challenger Russell Cameron lost the primary election to incumbent Andy Cook by 72 votes in the unofficial tally released Tuesday night, but that difference with today's update dropped to 61 votes. Cameron may ask for a recount, particularly after complaints surfaced that Cook was helping to set up voting machines in his Bridgewater district Monday night. Cook said as the precinct committeeman, it's his responsibility to help set up tables and chairs in advance of the election. He denied setting up or even touching the voting machines. Read More
MO: Bill requiring photo ID from voters returns to Missouri Senate - Columbia Missourian
In a 99-52 vote, Missouri's controversial voter ID bill was passed with amendments by the Missouri House of Representatives on Wednesday. The bill will make it a requirement for voters to present a nonexpired, government-issued photo ID upon entrance to their polling place. Rep. John Diehl, R-St. Louis County, is handling the bill in the House. He said the bill will cut down on voter fraud. "It's to make it easier to vote and harder to cheat," Diehl said. "It makes sure the person who presents themselves at the polling place is the person that they say that they are." Opponents to the bill argue that the requirement of a photo ID targets constituents without means or ability to obtain an ID, such as immigrants and elderly persons. Read More
OH: Butler County looks at new voting machines | CommunityPress.com
Butler County election officials are shopping around to replace their problematic six-year-old touch screen voting machine system. But where the money will come from is a multi-million dollar question. Elections Director Tippi Slaughter said one thing is for sure: The $3.4 million touch-screen machines that are favored by voters are out. "There's been enough of a question," Slaughter said about dumping the user-friendly touch screens for an optical scanning system. "We want the best voting system for the voters." Not only has the county seen its share of glitches and dropped votes with touch screens, the machines also have become an added expense, she said. They have to be tested and calibrated frequently. A band of 50 troubleshooters are on patrol each election day in case any foul-ups occur. "We have to be very vigilant," Slaughter said. Problems with dropped votes in Butler County during the 2008 March primary sparked a state investigation and a lawsuit from the Ohio Secretary of State's office. About half of Ohio's 88 counties use the touch screen system and installed them around the same time as Butler County in 2005. The state settled with Premier Election Solutions last year, but Butler County officials refused to accept that settlement. They are currently in mediation with Premier hoping to secure a better agreement. Read More
TN: Guest Column: Tennessee needs paper trail for every vote - The Commercial Appeal
In 2008 the Tennessee legislature voted almost unanimously to make elections more secure, dependable and trustworthy by requiring a verifiable paper trail for each vote. The step was long overdue -- more than 30 states already have such security measures. But three years later, secure elections in Tennessee remain at risk and voters may never know if their votes are counted. If legislative Republicans' march toward passing a bill that would effectively repeal the Voter Confidence Act succeeds, it would be a devastating blow to democracy in Tennessee. The electronic voting machines used in 93 of our 95 counties are so vulnerable to fraud and thievery that they can steal your vote even before you cast your ballot. The machines can be hacked at the factory, during transport or the night before an election. They can be manipulated during and after an election with simple tools like paper clips and telephone cords. A New York University task force found that "paperless touch-screen voting machines" like "those presently used in parts of Tennessee, are the least secure voting system" in the entire country. Read More
WI: Kloppenburg campaign raises ballot bag security concern in Waukesha County recount - JSOnline
An observer for Assistant Attorney General JoAnne Kloppenburg objected Thursday to the security of bags holding Supreme Court ballots from the City of Brookfield because of a gap opening on the ballot bags. They've raised similar objections four or five times in Waukesha County since the start of the recount, said retired Circuit Court Judge Robert Mawdsley, who's overseeing the county recount. In an interview, he agreed with objector Bill Hotz's observation that the bag opening from Brookfield was the largest seen so far. Hotz said poorly sealed bags or torn bags appear to be a common problem, but they were evident on five of six Brookfield bags that were counted first thing Thursday. He objected to the counting of those ballots where bags appeared to be open. Brandon O'Bryon, representing Justice David Prosser, objected to the objection, saying Brookfield voters would be disenfranchised if their votes weren't counted. As has been the practice from the start, Mawdsley makes a record of the concerns and each objection should a challenge end up in court. "There are several bags that appear to be improperly sealed," Mawdsley said for the record. Kloppenburg's campaign representatives took pictures of the bags in question. The Board of Canvassers agreed to count the votes, which can be identified separately if necessary. Brookfield City Clerk Kristine Schmidt said that bags filled with too many ballots tend to tear when they're picked up. She also said that on bags that she personally seals, she threads the seal through additional holes she makes in the bags so they can be pulled tightly shut and stay that way. Not every poll worker does that, and when the bags are lifted, a gap can open up. She also testified, "I guarantee you these ballots were put in (a vault in her office) and not tampered with until they left city hall." She said a highway worker took the ballots to the courthouse the day after the election. Read More
WI: Government Accountability Board To Ask For More Time in Supreme Court Recount | Newsradio 620
The Wisconsin Government Accountability Board will be asking for an extension in the deadline to complete the recount in the state Supreme Court race. Board director Kevin Kennedy said Thursday that Dane County has requested a one-day extension to Monday's deadline. He says Waukesha County has also asked for a deadline and the board is seeking more details about how long it will need. Workers in Waukesha were set Thursday morning to begin counting the ballots in Brookfield which originally had not been recorded. Less than 20% of the votes have been recounted in the county so far. By comparison, Milwaukee County is at least 80% finished. Read More
National
Facing South - The new war on voting rights
Last November, the big themes of the 2010 elections were jobs and the economy. But in states across the South and country, many of the most pitched legislative battles have focused on another issue entirely: voting rights. With Republicans taking power or strengthening their hand in many state legislatures -- and the 2012 elections looming on the horizon -- GOP leaders are seizing the opportunity to push a raft of measures they claim will restore integrity to the voting process. But the new voting bills share some important features: They all work to restrict the franchise and shrink the electorate -- in most cases, in ways that would decrease Democratic votes. And many of the most restrictive measures are being pursued in key battleground states, where shaving just a few percentage points off the black, Latino or youth vote could mean the difference between a state going red or blue. "It's shocking that the media is reporting on these bills as if they are merely innocent attempts at election reform," said a local North Carolina election official. "Why are they being pushed so hard now? Why in battleground states? Who stands to benefit? The most relevant questions just aren't being asked." Read More
Omaha World-Herald sells interest in Election Systems and Software (ES&S) - Omaha.com
The Omaha World-Herald Co. has sold its minority interest in Election Systems & Software Inc., an Omaha company that is the world’s largest election technology company, to McCarthy Group of Omaha and the election company’s management. Terms of the private sale were not disclosed. McCarthy Capital, a private equity investment company, already was a minority stockholder of Election Systems’ stock and is now the majority stockholder, said Michael McCarthy, chairman of McCarthy Group. Election Systems’ management and another independent investor are minority stockholders. World-Herald President and CEO Terry Kroeger said The World-Herald, an investor in Election Systems for nearly 25 years, is proud of what Election Systems accomplished for its shareholders and of its “contributions to our country’s ability to conduct free and fair elections.” Kroeger said the sale strengthens The World-Herald’s balance sheet, providing greater liquidity to the company and its shareholders. Read More
International
UK: Counting under way in elections across UK - BBC News
The result of a UK-wide referendum on whether to end the first-past-the-post system for Westminster elections and replace it with the alternative vote (AV) system will not be known until Friday evening - with counting set to begin at 1600 BST. Polls suggested AV - under which voters rank candidates in order of preference - will be rejected by a sizeable margin, but turnout levels at polling stations are predicted to have been fairly low, making the result more unpredictable. The Conservatives oppose changing the electoral system, while the Lib Dems are in favour of AV. This has led to some bitter rows between senior coalition colleagues over the past few weeks. Former Lib Dem leader Lord Ashdown has accused Prime Minister David Cameron of a "breach of faith" for not disassociating himself from what he said were "vicious" attacks by the No to AV campaign on Deputy PM Nick Clegg. He told the Guardian that Mr Cameron had "panicked" in the face of pressure from the right of his party and "backtracked" on promises about how the campaign would be conducted. The BBC's political editor Nick Robinson said anger over the issue was rife among the Lib Dems. Although the party was committed to the coalition, he added that if the polls went badly, they would face demands to assert themselves more on key policies. Read More
Voting News archives here at http://votingnews.blogspot.com/
Also at Twitter http://twitter.com/VotingNews
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=============================================
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.
Sen. Leland Yee’s bill to fast track online voter registration took an initial step forward yesterday. On a party line, 3-2 vote, the Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee approved Senate Bill 397, which would allow voters to register to vote by submitting an electronic affidavit via their county’s election office website. “Not only do we think it will result in more individuals being registered because it is easier to register online,” said Adam Keigwin, chief of staff for Yee, D-San Francisco, “it will save significant costs to taxpayers and election offices.” Opponents, however, say it’s already easy enough to register to vote on paper and the online system could create more opportunities for voter fraud. Read More
FL: Florida Senate passes controversial elections bill – Orlando Sentinel
The Florida Senate passed a massive overhaul of state election law by a 25-13 vote Thursday that would make changes to early voting, limit a voter’s ability to change his or her address or name at the polls and set up a presidential primary committee. Sen. Miguel Diaz de la Portilla, R-Miami, the sponsor of the bill, said it’s “about making every vote count” and rooting out fraud. “The fact is there’s a lot of bad actors out there and there’s an opportunity currently to game the system,” he said. The bill would cut the time for early voting from 14 days to eight. Local supervisors of elections could keep their early voting sites open anywhere from six hours to 12 hours per day. That would allow a maximum of 96 hours of early voting — the same number allowed today, but over fewer days. Read More
IN: Decision on Secretary of State White's eligibility to be made by June 30 | The Indianapolis Star
The Indiana Recount Commission will reach a decision on Secretary of State Charlie White's eligibility to hold office by June 30. The commission met Wednesday to set a schedule for resolving a challenge to White's candidacy by Democrats, who contend that White wasn't eligible to run because he was registered to vote at the wrong address when he declared his intention to run. The commission dismissed the complaint in December, but Marion Circuit Judge Louis Rosenberg ruled April 7 that the complaint is valid. In an order issued Monday, he told the commission to resolve the complaint by July 6. A hearing on the case has been scheduled for June 21, and the commission will issue its findings by June 30. The commission on Wednesday also told White's office to give the attorney general's office a report that former Secretary of State Todd Rokita compiled about White's voter registration. Democrats have wanted to see the report for months and could get their hands on it after the commission reviews it and determines whether it's relevant to their complaint. Read More
IN: Error fixed, 61 votes separate Westfield GOP mayor candidates | The Indianapolis Star
A couple of possible irregularities before and during Tuesday's primary election has one candidate for Westfield mayor weighing his options. About 131 votes in the Westfield's Southwest Precinct weren't properly tabulated Tuesday night, election administrator Kathy Richardson confirmed this morning. Richardson said an error regarding council districts was caught early Tuesday and corrected, but the voting electronics wouldn't accept the amended information. Workers manually tabulated results using the voting tape this morning, and no races seem adversely affected by the mishap. Challenger Russell Cameron lost the primary election to incumbent Andy Cook by 72 votes in the unofficial tally released Tuesday night, but that difference with today's update dropped to 61 votes. Cameron may ask for a recount, particularly after complaints surfaced that Cook was helping to set up voting machines in his Bridgewater district Monday night. Cook said as the precinct committeeman, it's his responsibility to help set up tables and chairs in advance of the election. He denied setting up or even touching the voting machines. Read More
MO: Bill requiring photo ID from voters returns to Missouri Senate - Columbia Missourian
In a 99-52 vote, Missouri's controversial voter ID bill was passed with amendments by the Missouri House of Representatives on Wednesday. The bill will make it a requirement for voters to present a nonexpired, government-issued photo ID upon entrance to their polling place. Rep. John Diehl, R-St. Louis County, is handling the bill in the House. He said the bill will cut down on voter fraud. "It's to make it easier to vote and harder to cheat," Diehl said. "It makes sure the person who presents themselves at the polling place is the person that they say that they are." Opponents to the bill argue that the requirement of a photo ID targets constituents without means or ability to obtain an ID, such as immigrants and elderly persons. Read More
OH: Butler County looks at new voting machines | CommunityPress.com
Butler County election officials are shopping around to replace their problematic six-year-old touch screen voting machine system. But where the money will come from is a multi-million dollar question. Elections Director Tippi Slaughter said one thing is for sure: The $3.4 million touch-screen machines that are favored by voters are out. "There's been enough of a question," Slaughter said about dumping the user-friendly touch screens for an optical scanning system. "We want the best voting system for the voters." Not only has the county seen its share of glitches and dropped votes with touch screens, the machines also have become an added expense, she said. They have to be tested and calibrated frequently. A band of 50 troubleshooters are on patrol each election day in case any foul-ups occur. "We have to be very vigilant," Slaughter said. Problems with dropped votes in Butler County during the 2008 March primary sparked a state investigation and a lawsuit from the Ohio Secretary of State's office. About half of Ohio's 88 counties use the touch screen system and installed them around the same time as Butler County in 2005. The state settled with Premier Election Solutions last year, but Butler County officials refused to accept that settlement. They are currently in mediation with Premier hoping to secure a better agreement. Read More
TN: Guest Column: Tennessee needs paper trail for every vote - The Commercial Appeal
In 2008 the Tennessee legislature voted almost unanimously to make elections more secure, dependable and trustworthy by requiring a verifiable paper trail for each vote. The step was long overdue -- more than 30 states already have such security measures. But three years later, secure elections in Tennessee remain at risk and voters may never know if their votes are counted. If legislative Republicans' march toward passing a bill that would effectively repeal the Voter Confidence Act succeeds, it would be a devastating blow to democracy in Tennessee. The electronic voting machines used in 93 of our 95 counties are so vulnerable to fraud and thievery that they can steal your vote even before you cast your ballot. The machines can be hacked at the factory, during transport or the night before an election. They can be manipulated during and after an election with simple tools like paper clips and telephone cords. A New York University task force found that "paperless touch-screen voting machines" like "those presently used in parts of Tennessee, are the least secure voting system" in the entire country. Read More
WI: Kloppenburg campaign raises ballot bag security concern in Waukesha County recount - JSOnline
An observer for Assistant Attorney General JoAnne Kloppenburg objected Thursday to the security of bags holding Supreme Court ballots from the City of Brookfield because of a gap opening on the ballot bags. They've raised similar objections four or five times in Waukesha County since the start of the recount, said retired Circuit Court Judge Robert Mawdsley, who's overseeing the county recount. In an interview, he agreed with objector Bill Hotz's observation that the bag opening from Brookfield was the largest seen so far. Hotz said poorly sealed bags or torn bags appear to be a common problem, but they were evident on five of six Brookfield bags that were counted first thing Thursday. He objected to the counting of those ballots where bags appeared to be open. Brandon O'Bryon, representing Justice David Prosser, objected to the objection, saying Brookfield voters would be disenfranchised if their votes weren't counted. As has been the practice from the start, Mawdsley makes a record of the concerns and each objection should a challenge end up in court. "There are several bags that appear to be improperly sealed," Mawdsley said for the record. Kloppenburg's campaign representatives took pictures of the bags in question. The Board of Canvassers agreed to count the votes, which can be identified separately if necessary. Brookfield City Clerk Kristine Schmidt said that bags filled with too many ballots tend to tear when they're picked up. She also said that on bags that she personally seals, she threads the seal through additional holes she makes in the bags so they can be pulled tightly shut and stay that way. Not every poll worker does that, and when the bags are lifted, a gap can open up. She also testified, "I guarantee you these ballots were put in (a vault in her office) and not tampered with until they left city hall." She said a highway worker took the ballots to the courthouse the day after the election. Read More
WI: Government Accountability Board To Ask For More Time in Supreme Court Recount | Newsradio 620
The Wisconsin Government Accountability Board will be asking for an extension in the deadline to complete the recount in the state Supreme Court race. Board director Kevin Kennedy said Thursday that Dane County has requested a one-day extension to Monday's deadline. He says Waukesha County has also asked for a deadline and the board is seeking more details about how long it will need. Workers in Waukesha were set Thursday morning to begin counting the ballots in Brookfield which originally had not been recorded. Less than 20% of the votes have been recounted in the county so far. By comparison, Milwaukee County is at least 80% finished. Read More
National
Facing South - The new war on voting rights
Last November, the big themes of the 2010 elections were jobs and the economy. But in states across the South and country, many of the most pitched legislative battles have focused on another issue entirely: voting rights. With Republicans taking power or strengthening their hand in many state legislatures -- and the 2012 elections looming on the horizon -- GOP leaders are seizing the opportunity to push a raft of measures they claim will restore integrity to the voting process. But the new voting bills share some important features: They all work to restrict the franchise and shrink the electorate -- in most cases, in ways that would decrease Democratic votes. And many of the most restrictive measures are being pursued in key battleground states, where shaving just a few percentage points off the black, Latino or youth vote could mean the difference between a state going red or blue. "It's shocking that the media is reporting on these bills as if they are merely innocent attempts at election reform," said a local North Carolina election official. "Why are they being pushed so hard now? Why in battleground states? Who stands to benefit? The most relevant questions just aren't being asked." Read More
Omaha World-Herald sells interest in Election Systems and Software (ES&S) - Omaha.com
The Omaha World-Herald Co. has sold its minority interest in Election Systems & Software Inc., an Omaha company that is the world’s largest election technology company, to McCarthy Group of Omaha and the election company’s management. Terms of the private sale were not disclosed. McCarthy Capital, a private equity investment company, already was a minority stockholder of Election Systems’ stock and is now the majority stockholder, said Michael McCarthy, chairman of McCarthy Group. Election Systems’ management and another independent investor are minority stockholders. World-Herald President and CEO Terry Kroeger said The World-Herald, an investor in Election Systems for nearly 25 years, is proud of what Election Systems accomplished for its shareholders and of its “contributions to our country’s ability to conduct free and fair elections.” Kroeger said the sale strengthens The World-Herald’s balance sheet, providing greater liquidity to the company and its shareholders. Read More
International
UK: Counting under way in elections across UK - BBC News
The result of a UK-wide referendum on whether to end the first-past-the-post system for Westminster elections and replace it with the alternative vote (AV) system will not be known until Friday evening - with counting set to begin at 1600 BST. Polls suggested AV - under which voters rank candidates in order of preference - will be rejected by a sizeable margin, but turnout levels at polling stations are predicted to have been fairly low, making the result more unpredictable. The Conservatives oppose changing the electoral system, while the Lib Dems are in favour of AV. This has led to some bitter rows between senior coalition colleagues over the past few weeks. Former Lib Dem leader Lord Ashdown has accused Prime Minister David Cameron of a "breach of faith" for not disassociating himself from what he said were "vicious" attacks by the No to AV campaign on Deputy PM Nick Clegg. He told the Guardian that Mr Cameron had "panicked" in the face of pressure from the right of his party and "backtracked" on promises about how the campaign would be conducted. The BBC's political editor Nick Robinson said anger over the issue was rife among the Lib Dems. Although the party was committed to the coalition, he added that if the polls went badly, they would face demands to assert themselves more on key policies. Read More
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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.
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Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Report shows that 1 and 6 recounts changed election results in the past decade
AZ: New concerns raised over Tucson all mail election | fox11az.com Tucson
When voting this year, residents won't be heading to the polls. Weeks ago, Tucson's city council voted to make the switch to an all vote by mail election. It was a decision that stirred up controversy. But news of missing mail ballots in Sahuarita is causing concern. On April 5 the council weighed whether or not Tucson can handle an all mail election. And after hearing from the public, council members decided the answer was yes, an all vote by mail election was the best way to go. "It's just a way of ensuring people cast their votes, regardless of how they cast their votes," said Tucson council member Karin Uhlich. But that day, questions were raised about how safe an all vote by mail election would be. "While those ballots are probably very secure while in the postal office's care, they are not secure while in a mailbox," said an attendee of the early April forum on the all mail election. Those concerns are growing after the U.S. Postal Service misplaced 85 ballots in Sahuarita's election. Read More
CA: Editorial: Online voter registration system is long overdue - Sacramento Bee
Think about 6.4 million people. That's more people than live in 34 of the 50 states. It's also the number of Californians who are eligible to vote but are not registered. Individuals are most directly responsible for shirking their most basic civic duty. But California's top election official, Secretary of State Debra Bowen, has a role. Bowen, a Democrat, won a second four-year term in November. Now, she is running in a special election for a congressional seat in Los Angeles County left vacant when Jane Harman stepped down. While she has her eye on Washington, Bowen has some unfinished business here in Sacramento, most notably bringing California's voter registration system into the computer age. Bowen, a cautious person, last year canceled a contract with a software company that had agreed to create a voter database that would allow Californians to register to vote online. But six months after winning re-election, the secretary of state and the Department of General Services have failed to put a new contract out for bid. The delay is unacceptable. Read More
FL: Nelson blasts Florida Legislature's 2012 election-law fixes - Legislature - MiamiHerald.com
Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson blasted state Republican lawmakers Monday for an election law overhaul that he says will block college students and military personnel from having their votes counted next year when he and President Barack Obama both seek re-election. Then Nelson waded into a controversy of his own when he suggested the U.S. special forces that killed al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden could be blocked from voting if the Legislature passes the bill. “Should we deny those very military that carried out this very successful decapitating of the al-Qaida snake?” Nelson asked at a Capitol news conference. “Should we deny them because they have signed their voter registration card in a different way than they signed their absentee ballot overseas?” Read More
Guam: Early in-office voting, machines debated | Pacific Daily News
Lawmakers yesterday debated two bills that could affect future island elections -- ending the recently approved process for early in-office voting and paving the way for the return of controversial electronic voting machines. The Legislature passed a law in October 2007, giving Guam voters the right to cast their ballots early, but the Legislature could repeal that law because of concern the Guam Election Commission failed to properly administer the early voting process. Guam law for decades has allowed absentee voting by those who can't go to the polls on Election Day because of their job, illness or travel. Those voters have to fill out an affidavit stating the reason they are casting an absentee ballot. But the 2007 early voting law, written by Sen. Adolpho Palacios, extended it to all voters, allowing them to vote at the Election Commission's Hagåtña office beginning 30 days before the election, without having to state a reason. Sen. Rory Respicio, who sponsored the bill to repeal the early voting law, yesterday said there were many problems with early voting during last year's General Election, including improperly secured early ballots and improper recording of the voter registration logs. Read More
WI: Local vote totals change in Supreme recount -- GazetteXtra
Justice David Prosser gained 10 votes in the recount of Rock County ballots for the state Supreme Court race. Challenger JoAnne Kloppenburg, meanwhile, gained 47 votes. Rock County Clerk Lori Stottler said those are the preliminary results of the local recount of the April 2 vote. The recount was completed Monday. Most precincts where errors were found had only one or two changes, Stottler said. Orfordville had the most with seven. Stottler said the problem in Orfordville might have been that the voting machine was not properly calibrated, so it was not reading votes correctly. The Orfordville village clerk has already called the manufacturer to check the machine before it is used again, Stottler said. Stottler estimated the local recount will cost no more than $2,000. She attributed the low cost to volunteers who donated many hours to the effort. Fifteen of the volunteers gave up six straight days, “and to me that’s just simply amazing,” Stottler said. Government Accountability Board spokesman Reid Magney said the town of Larrabee in Waupaca County discovered 68 votes for Kloppenburg and one vote for Prosser. County Clerk Mary Robbins said town officials simply didn’t record the votes. Read More
When voting this year, residents won't be heading to the polls. Weeks ago, Tucson's city council voted to make the switch to an all vote by mail election. It was a decision that stirred up controversy. But news of missing mail ballots in Sahuarita is causing concern. On April 5 the council weighed whether or not Tucson can handle an all mail election. And after hearing from the public, council members decided the answer was yes, an all vote by mail election was the best way to go. "It's just a way of ensuring people cast their votes, regardless of how they cast their votes," said Tucson council member Karin Uhlich. But that day, questions were raised about how safe an all vote by mail election would be. "While those ballots are probably very secure while in the postal office's care, they are not secure while in a mailbox," said an attendee of the early April forum on the all mail election. Those concerns are growing after the U.S. Postal Service misplaced 85 ballots in Sahuarita's election. Read More
CA: Editorial: Online voter registration system is long overdue - Sacramento Bee
Think about 6.4 million people. That's more people than live in 34 of the 50 states. It's also the number of Californians who are eligible to vote but are not registered. Individuals are most directly responsible for shirking their most basic civic duty. But California's top election official, Secretary of State Debra Bowen, has a role. Bowen, a Democrat, won a second four-year term in November. Now, she is running in a special election for a congressional seat in Los Angeles County left vacant when Jane Harman stepped down. While she has her eye on Washington, Bowen has some unfinished business here in Sacramento, most notably bringing California's voter registration system into the computer age. Bowen, a cautious person, last year canceled a contract with a software company that had agreed to create a voter database that would allow Californians to register to vote online. But six months after winning re-election, the secretary of state and the Department of General Services have failed to put a new contract out for bid. The delay is unacceptable. Read More
FL: Nelson blasts Florida Legislature's 2012 election-law fixes - Legislature - MiamiHerald.com
Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson blasted state Republican lawmakers Monday for an election law overhaul that he says will block college students and military personnel from having their votes counted next year when he and President Barack Obama both seek re-election. Then Nelson waded into a controversy of his own when he suggested the U.S. special forces that killed al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden could be blocked from voting if the Legislature passes the bill. “Should we deny those very military that carried out this very successful decapitating of the al-Qaida snake?” Nelson asked at a Capitol news conference. “Should we deny them because they have signed their voter registration card in a different way than they signed their absentee ballot overseas?” Read More
Guam: Early in-office voting, machines debated | Pacific Daily News
Lawmakers yesterday debated two bills that could affect future island elections -- ending the recently approved process for early in-office voting and paving the way for the return of controversial electronic voting machines. The Legislature passed a law in October 2007, giving Guam voters the right to cast their ballots early, but the Legislature could repeal that law because of concern the Guam Election Commission failed to properly administer the early voting process. Guam law for decades has allowed absentee voting by those who can't go to the polls on Election Day because of their job, illness or travel. Those voters have to fill out an affidavit stating the reason they are casting an absentee ballot. But the 2007 early voting law, written by Sen. Adolpho Palacios, extended it to all voters, allowing them to vote at the Election Commission's Hagåtña office beginning 30 days before the election, without having to state a reason. Sen. Rory Respicio, who sponsored the bill to repeal the early voting law, yesterday said there were many problems with early voting during last year's General Election, including improperly secured early ballots and improper recording of the voter registration logs. Read More
WI: Local vote totals change in Supreme recount -- GazetteXtra
Justice David Prosser gained 10 votes in the recount of Rock County ballots for the state Supreme Court race. Challenger JoAnne Kloppenburg, meanwhile, gained 47 votes. Rock County Clerk Lori Stottler said those are the preliminary results of the local recount of the April 2 vote. The recount was completed Monday. Most precincts where errors were found had only one or two changes, Stottler said. Orfordville had the most with seven. Stottler said the problem in Orfordville might have been that the voting machine was not properly calibrated, so it was not reading votes correctly. The Orfordville village clerk has already called the manufacturer to check the machine before it is used again, Stottler said. Stottler estimated the local recount will cost no more than $2,000. She attributed the low cost to volunteers who donated many hours to the effort. Fifteen of the volunteers gave up six straight days, “and to me that’s just simply amazing,” Stottler said. Government Accountability Board spokesman Reid Magney said the town of Larrabee in Waupaca County discovered 68 votes for Kloppenburg and one vote for Prosser. County Clerk Mary Robbins said town officials simply didn’t record the votes. Read More
Monday, May 2, 2011
Misplaced Ballots in Arizona and Wisconsin
AZ: Ballots 'misplaced,' raising concern over all-mail vote - Arizona Daily Star
The U.S. Postal Service "misplaced" about 85 mail-in ballots for an upcoming all-mail election in Sahuarita, Pima County Recorder F. Ann Rodriguez said Friday. While replacing the ballots was relatively easy for a smaller-city election, the incident is raising questions about the Tucson City Council's recent decision to switch to all-mail voting. This is the first time the Recorder's Office has heard of the Postal Service losing ballots, said Rodriguez. The disappearance of what "appears to be a single mail tray" of ballots was discovered when voters, all in the same section of the Quail Creek neighborhood, started reporting they hadn't received theirs a week after they were mailed out. Just over 12,000 ballots were mailed to Sahuarita voters on April 21. So far, 85 voters have requested replacements. Rodriguez said the problem appears to be limited to "a single tray" of ballots intended for that neighborhood. With 1.6 million mail-in ballots sent in Pima County over the last decade, "this is a very rare occurrence," she said. Postal workers "haven't found any evidence that any mail was misplaced," said Robert Soler, a spokesperson with the U.S. Postal Service in Tucson. Still, both Soler and Rodriguez urged voters to call the Recorder's Office if they hadn't received a ballot and they would be mailed before the election on May 17. "The voters have been issued second ballots and we have taken care of them," Rodriguez said, who added that measures are in place to make sure there would be only one vote per person. Read More
FL: Leon County supervisor of elections Ion Sancho: Early voting compromise wouldn’t save money - Florida Independent
The Florida Senate is working to shorten early voting periods, but lawmakers are working on a compromise. Supervisors of elections have said that early voting has allowed them to accommodate higher turnout numbers, and that the proposed changes might wind up costing taxpayers more. The Senate’s version of a sweeping and controversial elections bill would cut early voting in half, but a compromise is in the works. The deal would add a few more days to the proposed seven and allow elections officials to keep the polls open for more hours each day. A poll by the veteran GOP pollsters at Leadership Florida suggests voters support shorter early voting periods “in order to save costs on elections.” That bit about saving costs on elections was right in the question — potentially skewing the results. Leon County Supervisor of Elections Ion Sancho rejects the premise that the current proposal, or the pending compromise, would save money. Read More
FL: Vote bills may hit home for students - Pensacola News Journal
Bills moving through the Legislature could make the voting process difficult for some Florida voters, including college students. Currently, many students who move to a new county for college can change their addresses at the polls if they want to vote in the county in which they live and go to school. If a version of the bills in the House and Senate is passed, voters who did not change their addresses in advance would have to cast a provisional ballot — which indicates that there are questions about the voter's eligibility. Supporters say changes will cut down on voter fraud. But opponents of the bills, including Escambia County Elections Supervisor David Stafford, say the changes will make the process inconvenient for voters. Read More
HI: State lawmakers table runoff-voting bill - Staradvertiser.com
A proposal to impose "instant runoff" voting in county elections has been tabled at the state Legislature this year. House and Senate members decided late Thursday night to defer the measure. "We got some late information on the cost," said Rep. Gil Keith-Agaran, the House Judiciary Chairman and lead negotiator on the bill. "I think we'd like to take this up during the interim and consider maybe bringing it back next year." The Honolulu City Council voted unanimously last week in favor of a resolution urging the state to refrain from imposing the measure, citing cost concerns. Read More
WI: Missing Verona ballots cause glitch in Supreme Court race recount - madison.comt
Newly appointed Dane County Clerk Karen Peters initially had doubts that the county could finish hand counting some 182,000 Supreme Court ballots within a 13-day deadline. But on Thursday she expressed confidence that it could be done. But that was before the glitch. On Thursday afternoon official "tabulators" were busily counting ballots from the city of Verona when the votes came up more than 90 short of what the electronic readout from the voting machines said they should. That sent Verona officials on a hunt, and a rubber-banded stack of 97 ballots turned up in the office of Verona City Clerk Judy Masarik. "There's a table in the clerk's office, and there was a binder and some other papers on top of the ballots," said City Administrator Bill Burns, who found the stack. The statewide recount, requested by challenger JoAnne Kloppenburg after her narrow loss to incumbent David Prosser, has the potential to change the outcome, so the Verona situation caused much consternation. On election night, all the ballots were supposed to be secured in sealed bags, which were then supposed to be signed by local elections officials. The seals were supposed to remain intact. Read More
WI: After months in limbo, voter ID bill will include university cards - The Badger Herald
After many students raised concerns Wisconsin college students would be negatively affected by voter ID legislation being debated in the Legislature, a substitute amendment was released Friday containing language that would include student IDs on the list of identification accepted by election polling staff. The voter ID bill would require some form of photo identification to be shown to vote. The original bill did not include student IDs, but an amendment drafted by Rep. Jeff Stone, R-Greendale, and released the day after a public hearing on the voter ID bill, would change that. Under the amendment, students IDs would be accepted as long as they have not expired and contain the date of birth, signature and current address of the person to whom it was issued. Current UW student IDs do not provide the current address of the cardholder and would not be valid for voter registration. The change is welcomed by student representatives and advocates, who worried the voter ID bill would make it tougher for students to vote and eventually reduce the percentage of student-voter turnout. Read More
Voting News archives here at http://votingnews.blogspot.com/
Also at Twitter http://twitter.com/VotingNews
Subscribe to Voting News at this link: http://tinyurl.com/votingnews
=============================================
he 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.
The U.S. Postal Service "misplaced" about 85 mail-in ballots for an upcoming all-mail election in Sahuarita, Pima County Recorder F. Ann Rodriguez said Friday. While replacing the ballots was relatively easy for a smaller-city election, the incident is raising questions about the Tucson City Council's recent decision to switch to all-mail voting. This is the first time the Recorder's Office has heard of the Postal Service losing ballots, said Rodriguez. The disappearance of what "appears to be a single mail tray" of ballots was discovered when voters, all in the same section of the Quail Creek neighborhood, started reporting they hadn't received theirs a week after they were mailed out. Just over 12,000 ballots were mailed to Sahuarita voters on April 21. So far, 85 voters have requested replacements. Rodriguez said the problem appears to be limited to "a single tray" of ballots intended for that neighborhood. With 1.6 million mail-in ballots sent in Pima County over the last decade, "this is a very rare occurrence," she said. Postal workers "haven't found any evidence that any mail was misplaced," said Robert Soler, a spokesperson with the U.S. Postal Service in Tucson. Still, both Soler and Rodriguez urged voters to call the Recorder's Office if they hadn't received a ballot and they would be mailed before the election on May 17. "The voters have been issued second ballots and we have taken care of them," Rodriguez said, who added that measures are in place to make sure there would be only one vote per person. Read More
FL: Leon County supervisor of elections Ion Sancho: Early voting compromise wouldn’t save money - Florida Independent
The Florida Senate is working to shorten early voting periods, but lawmakers are working on a compromise. Supervisors of elections have said that early voting has allowed them to accommodate higher turnout numbers, and that the proposed changes might wind up costing taxpayers more. The Senate’s version of a sweeping and controversial elections bill would cut early voting in half, but a compromise is in the works. The deal would add a few more days to the proposed seven and allow elections officials to keep the polls open for more hours each day. A poll by the veteran GOP pollsters at Leadership Florida suggests voters support shorter early voting periods “in order to save costs on elections.” That bit about saving costs on elections was right in the question — potentially skewing the results. Leon County Supervisor of Elections Ion Sancho rejects the premise that the current proposal, or the pending compromise, would save money. Read More
FL: Vote bills may hit home for students - Pensacola News Journal
Bills moving through the Legislature could make the voting process difficult for some Florida voters, including college students. Currently, many students who move to a new county for college can change their addresses at the polls if they want to vote in the county in which they live and go to school. If a version of the bills in the House and Senate is passed, voters who did not change their addresses in advance would have to cast a provisional ballot — which indicates that there are questions about the voter's eligibility. Supporters say changes will cut down on voter fraud. But opponents of the bills, including Escambia County Elections Supervisor David Stafford, say the changes will make the process inconvenient for voters. Read More
HI: State lawmakers table runoff-voting bill - Staradvertiser.com
A proposal to impose "instant runoff" voting in county elections has been tabled at the state Legislature this year. House and Senate members decided late Thursday night to defer the measure. "We got some late information on the cost," said Rep. Gil Keith-Agaran, the House Judiciary Chairman and lead negotiator on the bill. "I think we'd like to take this up during the interim and consider maybe bringing it back next year." The Honolulu City Council voted unanimously last week in favor of a resolution urging the state to refrain from imposing the measure, citing cost concerns. Read More
WI: Missing Verona ballots cause glitch in Supreme Court race recount - madison.comt
Newly appointed Dane County Clerk Karen Peters initially had doubts that the county could finish hand counting some 182,000 Supreme Court ballots within a 13-day deadline. But on Thursday she expressed confidence that it could be done. But that was before the glitch. On Thursday afternoon official "tabulators" were busily counting ballots from the city of Verona when the votes came up more than 90 short of what the electronic readout from the voting machines said they should. That sent Verona officials on a hunt, and a rubber-banded stack of 97 ballots turned up in the office of Verona City Clerk Judy Masarik. "There's a table in the clerk's office, and there was a binder and some other papers on top of the ballots," said City Administrator Bill Burns, who found the stack. The statewide recount, requested by challenger JoAnne Kloppenburg after her narrow loss to incumbent David Prosser, has the potential to change the outcome, so the Verona situation caused much consternation. On election night, all the ballots were supposed to be secured in sealed bags, which were then supposed to be signed by local elections officials. The seals were supposed to remain intact. Read More
WI: After months in limbo, voter ID bill will include university cards - The Badger Herald
After many students raised concerns Wisconsin college students would be negatively affected by voter ID legislation being debated in the Legislature, a substitute amendment was released Friday containing language that would include student IDs on the list of identification accepted by election polling staff. The voter ID bill would require some form of photo identification to be shown to vote. The original bill did not include student IDs, but an amendment drafted by Rep. Jeff Stone, R-Greendale, and released the day after a public hearing on the voter ID bill, would change that. Under the amendment, students IDs would be accepted as long as they have not expired and contain the date of birth, signature and current address of the person to whom it was issued. Current UW student IDs do not provide the current address of the cardholder and would not be valid for voter registration. The change is welcomed by student representatives and advocates, who worried the voter ID bill would make it tougher for students to vote and eventually reduce the percentage of student-voter turnout. Read More
Voting News archives here at http://votingnews.blogspot.com/
Also at Twitter http://twitter.com/VotingNews
Subscribe to Voting News at this link: http://tinyurl.com/votingnews
=============================================
he 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.
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