What I don't understand..

[taragunner]

... Is how something as simple as an ATM can generate an accurate paper record of your transaction, but these new voting machines - which are so technologically advanced - can't?

Or won't?

[taragunner]

http://www.cnn.com/2003/ALLPOLITICS/...ction.worries/

[senorina]

wow I cannot believe that anyone would agree to a computer vote without a paper trail.

that is insane.

[Jeeperrr]

It was quite common in CA during the first year of electronic voting.

As far as I could tell, the only people who were offered paper ballots were the ones who complained. I'm sure many people were not aware that there was an alternative, and perhaps some didn't even know that the electronic machines had no paper trail.

Enough people complained to result in a change, though. The last time I voted at the same polling place, there was a little window on the machine where you could see the "cash register tape" with your vote recorded on it.

[taragunner]

I will be interested to see how the new machines at my polling place look and work. If there is no paper trail, I will be vocal about it.

[Jeeperrr]

When I mentioned this at our polling station a couple years ago I was given the alternative of voting on a paper ballot.

They also offered me a phone number for the election commission, so I could register a formal complaint about the lack of a paper trail.

[Maureen in Italy]

I really really hope that if the Dems do gain some control that they push forward some sort of a bill (Including spending) in an effort to solve all these voting problems.

It's 2006 and the technology should exist. If I can safely buy from Gap.com with my credit card as I sit 9k miles away, I should be able to vote and not worry that someone is hacking in and changing it.

In addition, computers aren't that expensive anymore so surely they can have the appropriate number available in order to accomodate the registered voters in each district.

It's not rocket science and it's shameful that we have this level of mistrust in this day and age.

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ November 07, 2006 08:55 AM: Message edited by: Maureen in Italy ]</font>

[taragunner]

ITA, Maureen.

I was pleasantly surprised to see that our new machines in PA do have a paper trail. The election supervisor gladly showed it to me. It was quick and easy and I was in and out in 5 minutes. I understand they had some issues with the machines in another township.