DRE machines

The fight against the worst of the electronic voting machines may be nearing a turning point. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) seems poised to recommend decertification of the direct record electronic (DRE)voting machines. NIST is a non-regulatory federal agency within the U.S. Commerce Department's Technology Administration that "promotes U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology in ways that enhance economic security and improve our quality of life." This probably means that their recommendation is non-binding, but would go a long way to convincing people like my city councilman, David Yassky, who has yet to sign on to City Council resolution 131, that they had better oppose DRE machines if they want to ensure a fair vote.

From Internetnews.com:

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is recommending that the 2007 version of the Voluntary Voting Systems Guidelines (VVSG) decertify direct record electronic (DRE) machines.

DREs are currently used by more than 30 percent of jurisdictions across the U.S. and are the exclusive voting technology in Delaware, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland and South Carolina.

I have been covering the problems with touch screen voting machines for some time, pointing out how almost every Tech-savvy person who analyzes them at all finds them shoddy and unreliable. Having a real, legally recountable paper ballot is the only way to have elections that we can have any confidence in.

Right now we have two days to get Congress to act to ensure a paper ballot whatever technology is used for voting. That would go a long way to preserving our rights. VoteTrust USA has the following URGENT action alert (two days to act!!!):

URGENT ACTION ALERT!
TELL CONGRESS TO PASS EMERGENCY PAPER BALLOT BILLS NOW!

With only two days remaining before Congress recesses until after the November 7 election, and with the failures and malfunctions of electronic voting machines finally receiving real attention from the mainstream media, emergency bills have been introduced in both the House and Senate to make contingency paper ballots available in all touchscreen jurisdictions. On Tuesday, Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA) Chris Dodd (D-CT), and Russ Feingold (D-WI) introduced S. 3943, the "Confidence in Voting Act" that would provide funding to jurisdictions for the printing of emergency paper ballots, and on Wednesday, Rep. Rush Holt introduced a similar mesasure, HR 6187, in the House.

This morning (Thursday, September 28) at 10 am the House Administration Committee will hold a previously scheduled -- and long awaited hearing on "Electronic Voting Machines: Verification, Security, and Paper Trails." The word on the Hill is that the Committee will discuss this emergency legislation during the hearing. VoteTrustUSA will be at the hearing, providing background information to Committee members, and hosting a press event after the hearing. This is our last, best chance to make a difference in the 2006 election!

It All Comes Down to You! Your Calls Make a Difference. Call Your Representative NOW!