BBV Question: Since there is more than one company making e-voting

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

machines (i.e. Diebold isn't the only one), do ALL of these companies make machines with no paper trail? Or are there any that produce some sort of receipt or trail? Doesn't it seem like a bit of a conspiracy when all of these companies agree from the outset that there is no need for a paper trail?

[wtmusic]

1. The paper trail is a relatively expensive add-on

and since it hasn't been required it hasn't been added. That simple.

That is all about to change. Sequoia Systems and Diebold are both developing models with built-in printers; however, no printer is 100% reliable and the likelihood of paper jams and other printer failures is not promising.

Punch cards are the best way to go.

[cynatnite]

2. Absentee Ballot

I've heard this, but never really gave it much weight until a week or so ago when I started hearing how easy it is to tamper with this stuff.

Someone had mentioned that if I wanted to make sure my vote was counted with no doubts, to do it by absentee ballot and to make a copy of it. If there were problems, I could prove I voted and for whom.

I haven't checked into if I could do that or even if I should. Tennessee hasn't had any problems that I'm aware of.

Cyn:)

[wtmusic]

3. There are always doubts

I don't believe a copy of a ballot would wash in a recount. But I don't know.

Bruce Schneier, world-renowned computer security expert, from a book published last year: "Computerized voting is a horrendously dangerous idea..."

[meg]

4. So $150-$200 is expensive compared to >$100,000?

ATM machines made by Diebold as well as others have printers that work outside in hard conditions. The gas pump machines I use on Padre Island have to contend with the salt air and the heat and humidity.

If they can work under these conditions, why can't printers work once a quarter inside with air conditioning?