EAC - Voluntary Voting System Guidelines

Name : | David B. Aragon
Organization : | N/A
Post Date : | 9/30/2005
General Comments
Comment : | Resolve Inappropriate Compromise Language Some sections of the VVSG are written in a strained manner, reflecting lack of consensus in the TGDC, as if some contributors tried to mitigate the effects of an unsound decision by adding discussion material or documentation requirements. The language of VVSG suggests that the EAC wishes credit for having given good advice while simultaneously inviting the reader to find ways to avoid taking it. This approach will not bring out the best qualities in the vendors or laboratories that use VVSG. It needlessly squanders the credibility of the Commissioners and TGDC members and the qualifications for which they were chosen. In particular, Dr. Rivest has richly earned the esteem in which my profession holds him, and his presence in TGDC is viewed as a major safeguard against error. The VVSG's credibility in the profession will suffer if it is perceived that Dr. Rivest's concerns about security and communications have been ignored, weakened or relegated to merely informational material. The unavoidable perception that political influence replaced sound technical advice will impede adoption of the VVSG by the States - as well it should.