GearBits

Petitions for Electronic Voting Paper Audit Trails

I'm all for electronic voting. I think, if it's done correctly, that it can be a valuable tool and a positive step in getting more people to vote and vote more thoughtfully (yeah, I've been accused of being an idealist more than once).

However, it seems rational to me that, at least in these early days of electronic voting, we should expect some form of paper-based backup system. A physical audit trail would be invaluable if there are any disputes (and you know there will be, especially this year with all the rankor).

A friend passed on this online ACT petition to me, which seems like a pretty reasonable request:

Today I’ve taken action to protect the vote in Ohio, where electronic voting machines are set to be in place in 31 counties without a paper trail verification of each votes. The 2004 election is going to be very close - and could come down to just a handful of votes in this key state.

Please join me in signing the “Paper Trail Petition” today and pass it on to everyone you know.

http://actforvictory.org/act.php/home/petitions/diebold_ohio

What's your take on electronic voting?