Computer scientists fear voter fraud with touch-screen voting

Associated Press ^ | 10-6-03 | RACHEL KONRAD

[Oldeconomybuyer]

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) --

[DustyMoment]

I concur with the opinions expressed so far. Without a paper trail to verify the vote, the system is ripe for fraud.

When Computer Science PROFESSORS express concern . . . folks, there's something to be concerned about.

[FreedomPoster]

Just because a court says so, doesn't make it so.

That's why there are appeals, that's why there's a legislature to craft a new law.

But I understand, that at this instant in time, it's legally valid in CA. It doesn't mean we should accept it.

[truthkeeper]

I just caught the last couple of minutes of a radio show discussing the recall and absentee ballots. Although I didn't hear the whole thing, I did hear the hosts mention that there is now a box somewhere (not sure where, maybe a registration form?) in which you can check an option to receive absentee ballots in perpetuity. (Inotherwords, a one-time check.)

Are you thinking what I'm thinking? Such as lots of dogs, cats, and dead people on the voter rolls...permanently?

[Skooz]

I agree. The very thought of touch screen voting--or any type of voting exclusively through computers--makes me nervous. The opportunity for fraud is so obvious. The slightest tweak to a few lines of code can change the results.

[Miss Marple]

Yes. Neat little side-issue to the massive fraud....the potential for fraud in perpetuity.

[FourPeas]

The concern of Dill and some of his colleagues was dismissed as overblown and irresponsible by county registrars and executives at the companies that sell and update the electronic voting machines.

No bias there, no sir-ee. Lots of technical background, too, I'm sure.

[Paleo Conservative]

Yes. Another sign they are going to try to steal the election. In fact, I am beginning to think that they stole the election from Simon.

If Davis stole the election from Simon why did Davis get 1.7 million fewer votes in 2002 than he got in 1998?

[Miss Marple]

The answer, sir, is that the Rats ALWAYS attempt to steal just enough votes to win, not enough to be ridiculous and generate investigations. Since the votes are created at the time of counting, they only need to know Simon's count, and then make just a few more.

[MissAmericanPie]

Hillary pulled ahead of her competition who was running ahead of her in the polls right up until the week before the election.

Voters should protest these machines. There is not much telling how many of these bums are sitting in office right now due to vote fraud in one form or another, these machines make it that much simpler. Funny how the Republican's don't seem to be all that intent on mending the problem, I would think it would be a top priority.

[G.Mason]

"All California counties must convert from paper to electronic voting systems by March 1, 2004. I think this explains trying to delay the recall."

Face it, the only way voter fraud will be held in check is by giving the prepetrator convicted of such an offense a very long prison sentence.

We all are adult enough here to realize that isn't about to happen.

[Truth666]

Punishment in this case is peanuts in comparison with prevention.

[Steely Glint]

Given system access, any decent hacker could "rearrange" election results easily.

I suspect that the Democrats are already doing it. They have been busily stealing elections for a long time now (the 1960 presidential election comes to mind, but that wasn't the first one they stole, and the 2000 presidential election comes to mind, but that wasn't the last one they tried to steal).

We need to be auditing the Left carefully. And we're not. Never ever ever trust them.

[theartfuldodger]

Wow! That's in interesting link. Computer voting is the easiest way to "ballot box" fraud!

[DoctorZIn]

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[Diddle E. Squat]

Bookmarked, for when the Dems argue the exact opposite side next November.

[ridesthemiles]

My state rep seems concerned, and now seems to understand the issue, but there also seems to be a "well, we spent all this money, we can't go back" attitude.

I bet my granpa spent money on buggy whips that weren't worn out when he bought his first car----Get a grip!

While everyone thinks technology is so wonderful, holding an election with no paper trail is like turning Osama Bin Laden loose inside a bank vault with all the keys and a large vehicle to get away.
Get involved with your local election process and find out what methods they are considering for now and future use.
All politics starts at the local level. What is you couldn't do a recount on a contentious issue locally? Then what would you do?

[hobson]

These things have wireless access. According to hackers (who found the program on company servers) the vote can be remotely accessed and changed without ever leaving a log that shows the machine has been accessed. You'll never know who won an election with these things.

Really? I would like to know the political affiliation of the idiot that designed this program.

[steve50]

It's owned by republican backers. The owner in my state was quoted at a conference as intending to "do all he can to re-elect Bush".

[Salvation]

Audit trail?

What about the hard drive?

[Celtman]

What about the hard drive?

      Hard drives are erasable and rewritable.

      Machines do not make mistakes ... make mistakes ... make mistakes ... make mistakes