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You hit close to one of the algorithms.

The counting machines are tested before every election by a board of citizens. They run a fixed number of pre-punched ballots through the machine, usually between 1,000 and 5,000 or so. They compare the computer count with the known result. Never a problem.

The algorithms do not kick in until 10,000+ ballots are counted.

Then the count between D or R for the top spots are counted. If the Dems are in the lead then no changes are made. But if the Reps are in the lead, after a certain percentage of the total has been counted, then votes begin to be flipped.

It will never flip more than 2-4%, (unless externally directed) and it will spread the flip over many precincts.

This prevents red flags on the part of the public that have absolutely no clue anyway how many votes are cast for any person in any precinct.

2-4% swing is the difference between a 46% to 54% loss to a 54% to 46% loss.

How many elections have such close margins?

How many elections when you KNOW the Republican must have 60%+ support he only wins by 51% to 49%.

The counting machines in St. Louis (Gephardts district) were accessible by modem from the outside during the counting process. We complained but nothing was done. We also witnessed Gephardt campaign staff inside the counting room.

In one county, the computers "went down" and the votes were counted by hand. This was after preliminary counting had been performed by the machine. (We were warned this could happen, it had happened before in close elections). Gephardt won. The county officials were Democrat.

FWIW: IMHO: The best solution is that each precinct count their own votes immediately, and then send that result to the county. But each precinct certifies their own vote. It is not certified or corrected at a higher level.

Each precinct should print the actual vote summary on a large tally and each row of votes will be identified by a code that corresponds to the serial number of the ballot you are randomly issued when you enter (or it is assigned as you complete the vote ). You get a receipt with your personal votes, and then you are able to look at the final results posted in the newspaper and physically at the precinct, with the actual results.

Only a few percent of the voters need check to ensure an honest vote.

Good idea. It amazes me that many states are going with machines that produce no trail thus no recount possibility. These machines also offer no way for a person to know their vote really counted.

I liked the old Lever machines that tallied the votes when you opened the curtin. They had a lever for each candidate and proposal. They almost never broke down and kept a paper record just in case.

Computers are great for a lot of things but voting is not one of them.