EAC - Voluntary Voting System Guidelines

Name : | Lillie Coney
Organization : | National Committee for Voting Integrity
Post Date : | 9/30/2005
Section Comments
Section : | 6
Page no. : |
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Comment : | Volume 1, Section 6 Security, recommends the incorporation of infrared (IR) technology in voting systems. We strongly recommend that IR technology not be allowed in voting systems. The Voluntary Voting System Guidelines should place the strong language regarding the risks associated with IR technology found in Volume 1, Appendix C Best Practices for Election Officials in the telecommunications and security section. Although IR technology is commonplace in remote control systems for televisions, DVDs, VHS, and other consumer products that does not mean it should be trusted in voting systems. States considering IR technology as an option should be strongly encouraged to enumerate the need for it, and evaluate the potential risks. Manufacturers of voting systems should not incorporate IR technology as a standard offering in voting systems used in public elections because it poses serious security risks. The only way to be sure that the risk is not present is not to include the IR capability. If states insist on having IR capability on voting systems, the next best security option is the ability to physically remove the device from voting systems before their use in public elections, or at the minimum cover the IR port with “opaque” material to block visible light. [Statements submitted at EAC public hearing, August 23, 2005, Denver]