2009

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Nov 08 Election Audit Reports – Part 1 – Bad Cards, Procedural Lapses Continue

By Luther Weeks on May 16, 2009

This week the University of Connecticut VoTeR Center released reports on post-election audits and memory card testing for the November 2008 election. Today we will highlight and comment on the Memory Card Report.

We should all applaud the unique memory card testing program, yet we must also act aggressively to close the gaps it continues to expose.

Posted in CT, CT Skulduggery and Errors, Post-Election Audits, Reports | Leave a response

Safe Ways To Protect And Speed Military Votes

By Luther Weeks on May 14, 2009

Protecting the Military Vote. High security, high privacy, low cost. Bills by Republicans in the U.S. Senate and a Democrat in the U.S. House.

Posted in Internet Voting, National | Leave a response

National Popular Vote Squeaks Through Connecticut House

By Luther Weeks on May 13, 2009

Initially defeated by 1 vote, legislators change their votes.

Most votes on this bill are along party lines with Democrats generally for the bill and Republicans generally against the bill. However, there are prominent Democrates who oppose the Agreement including Connecticut Secretary of the State, Susan Bysiewicz and Minnesota Secretary of State, Mark Ritchie.

Posted in CT, National Popular Vote | Leave a response

Ray Hackett: Let citizens decide issue of early voting

By Luther Weeks on May 10, 2009

Surely Connecticut’s election officials are capable of setting up a system that would provide the necessary safeguards to prevent voter fraud — just like election officials in all those other states have.

Mr. Hacket’s article is balanced, yet there are more details to consider. CTVotersCount took a position as “Conditionally Against” early voting in any form during our testimony at the Legislature earlier this year.

Posted in CT | Leave a response

May Elections: Random District Selection for Post Election Audit

By Luther Weeks on May 8, 2009

Connecticut towns must hold municipal elections in May or November of odd years. On May 4th, elections were held and as required by law 10% of districts holding municipal elections are subject to the Post-Election Audit. CTVotersCount attended the drawing this morning, representing the public.

Analysis and Opinion: Some might question the value of such a small audit. Considering the value of elections and statistics, we disagree.

Posted in CT, Post-Election Audits | Leave a response

McCain, Obama Counsels Agree: Start With The Facts

By Luther Weeks on May 6, 2009

It may be news to many readers that reforms are still needed. The media widely reported a smooth election, and in some places, those reports were accurate.

Posted in National, Other Editorials | Leave a response

Diebold: Revenue way down. $25,000,000 settlement proposed

By Luther Weeks on May 5, 2009

Results included a $25 million charge for a deal Diebold reached with the Securities and Exchange Commission to settle civil charges related to a pending enforcement inquiry. The proposed settlement still needs final SEC approval.

Posted in Costs, National, Post-Election Audits | Leave a response

Town Clerks Oppose Unlimited Absentee Balloting

By Luther Weeks on May 4, 2009

Town clerks statewide are opposing bills seeking a constitutional change to allow early voting in Connecticut because they fear the proposals lack sufficient safeguards to deter election fraud.

Posted in CT, Mail/Absentee Voting | Leave a response

It Pays To Complain – Election Officials Complain, Diebold Makes Public Pay

By Luther Weeks on May 1, 2009

Humboldt County, CA found problems with the Dieblod GEMS system which it intended to replace, while it intended to continue to use its Diebold voter registration system. Now it is left with 90 days to find another solution as Dieblod executes its option to terminate its support of the county. Hard to interpret this as […]

Posted in Costs, National, Skulduggery and Errors | Leave a response

John Gideon, 1947-2009

By Luther Weeks on April 28, 2009

Voting integrity has lost a great friend, John Gideon. John had a huge impact and leaves us all with a large gap to fill.

I share the deep sense of sadness of everyone in the voting integrity community at the untimely loss of this giant of a man – Rep Rush Holt

Update 05/07/2009: TalkNationRadio Clips of John Gideon and Interviews his collaborators

Posted in National | Leave a response