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GOP Techie talks about voting machines
This article over at alternet is downright terrifying in light our past two elections and the recent tightening of the race.
Make no mistake about it, this is why it matters that things are so close.
I don't have much commentary to add other than to stay on your toes and watch for any dirty tricks during the election. If we're vigilant and call bullshit anytime it's tried, then we can prevent more shenanigans from occurring.
Make no mistake about it, this is why it matters that things are so close.
I don't have much commentary to add other than to stay on your toes and watch for any dirty tricks during the election. If we're vigilant and call bullshit anytime it's tried, then we can prevent more shenanigans from occurring.
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We can't. Sorry. I've said all along that the reason for getting the poll numbers close is to be able to steal the election... AGAIN. And how do we prove it? We can't. We're not even allowed to peruse the programming code within the machines because it's all proprietary software from companies like Diebold, owned by Republicans. I don't think we have a democracy anymore and it's a damn shame.
August 19, 2008 6:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
don't despair. the trick to getting roaches to scatter is to shine light on them! just because they're gaming the system doesn't mean you can't organize and get out the vote and make the margins big enough that they can't steal it! if cringe expecting defeat, that's what you'll get. if you stand strong and fight you have a chance at victory!
alright, i'm done channeling my inner halftime speech. just keep working hard to defeat the repubs and it'll happen this time.
August 19, 2008 6:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
This election will NOT be close.
August 19, 2008 6:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
The irony is that we've known all this for years. It has all be exposed again and again, but nothing is done. Why? Perhaps because the people in power don't want it to change, but it's a horrible indictment of our Congress that they have not done something about these issues in the years since 2004, when they were very clearly witnessed and exposed.
Recently I saw a report that claimed that the Election Commission would not require changes to existing machines "because there wasn't enough time." Sorry, I don't have the link anymore. But this is the kind of complete incompetence on an issue so fundamental to our democracy that it should be considered criminal.
And, yes, our only hope for Obama is a landslide that can't be stolen, if even that is possible. And, no, I don't have much faith in our system. The whole campaign is just a distraction from what the Republicans intend to do - again... steal the election.
And does anyone wonder why I despise these people?
August 19, 2008 6:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
vote flipping algorithms take care of landslides.
unfortunately.
No the only solution is all code is inspected and installed by governmental entities with representatives of both parties present throughout the whole process.
Then inputs to the machines have to be controlled..NO USB PORTS, no phone lines, no wireless connectivity, etc. Then the outputs should be binary: datasets and good old fashioned paper receipts with time/machine validation stamps inspected by the voter and then put into ballot boxes again under close supervision.
August 19, 2008 10:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
That lawsuit is serious business. This guy is naming names. I heard about this today on Thom Hartman, via Mark Crispin Miller.
August 19, 2008 7:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
An IEEE article on the problem:
http://www.avirubin.com/vote.pdf
August 19, 2008 10:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
This is one issue that people aren't taking very seriously. I don't know if it's too big to even contemplate or what. What's the point in working hard to elect Democrats if our votes don't count?
There was a bill for a paper trail in committee in the spring that had bipartisan unanimous support until the white house got a hold of the Republicans on the committee and nixed it...scary!
August 20, 2008 4:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think this is the story Robin in PA is referring to.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0408/9841.html
August 20, 2008 5:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'd love to see Obama and the dems shining sunlight on this in a BIG way as a preemptive strike against any bullshit. Not that it would help if shit hits the fan but I'd like to see it nonetheless.
Thx for the link!
August 20, 2008 5:26 PM | Reply | Permalink