election protection

All I can say is it is about time we start seeing this. This should have gotten going in all 50 states after the 2000 election.

From the Michigan Democratic Party:

LANSING - Michigan Democratic Party Chair Mark Brewer today announced that state Democrats would participate in an unprecedented 50-state election protection program to prepare for the 2008 election. Through the Democratic National Committee’s 50 State Strategy, the DNC Voting Rights Institute and the National Lawyers Council, Democrats across America are conducting an in-depth nationwide survey to collect critical data on the often confusing and complex sets of administrative practices and decisions governing our nation’s elections. With the help of DNC-funded staffers hired through the DNC’s State Party Partnership program, Michigan Democrats will work with election officials throughout the state to help identify potential issues so they can be resolved well in advance of the 2008 election.

“As America prepares to mark the 42nd anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, I am honored to announce this unparalleled effort to bring the ideals of that landmark law closer to reality,” Brewer said. “When President Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act in 1965, he called right to vote the ‘basic right without which all others are meaningless.’ But 42 years after the signing of this legislation, the right to vote is still under assault. Michigan Democrats will not rest until every single eligible voter can register to vote, cast their ballot without fear of intimidation or harassment, and have confidence that their vote will be counted fairly and accurately.”

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!