EAC - Voluntary Voting System Guidelines

Name : | Denise Powers
Organization : | private citizen
Post Date : | 9/30/2005
General Comments
Comment : | There are some cases when the machines might be used effectively. For those persons who are sight- or hearing-impaired, machines can print ballots and these paper ballots would be the ballot of record. If instant gratification is more important than accuracy, ballots could be counted by tabulating machines at the precinct level only. This count would be the UNOFFICIAL result, which may be announced immediately, to be confirmed by a complete hand count before the results are certified. This hand count could be conducted by high school honor students in full view of all interested parties. It should be videotaped, open to the public, perhaps even broadcast over TV and internet. Heck, set up a bunch of overhead projectors in the high schools and let us all take a look at the ballots as they're being counted. The paper ballots should be securely stored, with a fully documented chain of custody. We can print, transport and store currency securely; should our ballots be considered any less valuable? Lastly, Federal elections should not be held on the same day as local/state elections. This simplifies the ballot and allows for standardization of federal election procedures. If the state of South Yeehaw wants to put up 16 candidates for dogcatcher and an initiative outlawing the sale of catfood on Sunday, let them do that on their own time. I don't want them complicating an election where the outcome directly affects me. Your ballot is precious -- treat it accordingly. And don't let anybody try to take it away from you.