What we have here is an issue which directly and indirectly affects each and every one of us both in the polling booth and beyond. We must familiarize ourselves with the issues and figure out how our democracy is best served. This will not be easy. A lively debate is called for. Instead, we have gone about this exactly backwards. We have rushed to comply first, and ask questions later. HAVA is, at the very least, a problematic piece of legislation which makes voting more complicated and less accessible rather the opposite. That is surely not why HAVA was enacted. Hanging chads seem absolutely benign compared to the electronic messes that pop up at each and every use of the electronic voting machines.
I say, let the debate begin. Let us examine election reform in all of its forms. Let us turn each proposal inside out. I invite activists, legislators, computer scientists and concerned citizens to use OpEdNews as a forum. I will print articles from all sides. The important part is to give this discussion the time and attention it deserves. Unfortunately, it will not be in time to save us from this election, perhaps not even the next one. We will pay a heavy price for that. But, ultimately, if done properly, we can take back our elections and create an informed, mobilized public that is actively involved in determining the course of our country and our future. That will be a bonus, for healthy democracy depends on the vigor of its debates and the degree of involvement of its citizens.
It 's late and I must get my beauty sleep. I look forward to hearing from you.
Primer on vote fraud and Voting Integrity
"The Best Democracy Money Can Buy", Greg Palast, Plume Book (Penguin), 2004. Expanded Election Edition (make sure it has Chapter 9: Oil-Slick Jim, the Third Ring and One Million Missing Ballots)
"What Went Wrong in Ohio: The Conyers Report on the 2004 Presidential Election", Academy Chicago Publishers, 2005
"Did George W. Bush Steal America's 2004 Election? Essential Documents." Edited by Bob Fitrakis, Steve Rosenfeld and Harvey Wasserman, CICJ Books, 2005
"How the GOP Stole America's 2004 Election & Is Rigging 2008", Bob Fitrakis & Harvey Wasserman, CICJ, 2005
"Fooled Again: How the Right Stole the 2004 Election & Why They'll Steal the Next One Too (Unless We Stop Them)", Mark Crispin Miller, Basic Books, 2005
Government-issued GAO Report, issued end September, 2005, on electronic voting machines and 2004 election (available online)
"Invisible Ballots" documentary dvd, produced by William Gazecki, America Media, 2004. www.InvisibleBallots.com
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