Signature matching is one of the key "checks and balances" cited to tell us mail-in voting is secure. Really? A dog's paw-print made it through signature checks in WashingtonState for two elections in a row. Most people do not realize that the physical signatures are not examined -- only the scanned computer image. Here are links to two image files. Do they match?
Well yes, they do match. And they should: They originate from exactly the same computer file. Using computers, scanned signatures can be stretched and colors changed, making it appear that you are looking at two different signatures from the same person, when you are actually looking at only one.
The mail-in software program connects the registration signature database with the envelope signature database. Scanned images can be imported and exported from one database to another -- for example, from the incoming absentee envelopes into the database containing scans of the voter registration signatures.
With Internet voter registration, THERE IS NO PHYSICAL COPY of the signature on the voter card. Another proposal is working its way towards implementation now too, called "Voter Registration Modernization" -- this also removes the physical signature on the card, by using portable electronic tablets to register voters.
(WA) 7/09 - IMPORTANT LAWSUIT FILED TO FIGHT BALLOT PRIVACY THEFT -
PRIVACY REMOVAL: Two Washington state citizens, Tim White and Alan Rosato, discovered that unique identifiers are being attached to absentee ballots for over one million Washington citizens. This taking place in many states -- Colorado, California, and Ohio as well. Unique identifiers are already on the ballots in Yolo County (CA), Hamilton County (OH), and Boulder County (CO). A lawsuit was just filed in Washington state contesting this dangerous procedure.
Must-see video: Look especially about 9 minutes in, as they discuss the fluid, now-you-see-it now-you-don't changeability of absentee votes during live counting processes - http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docid=9179686114813589881
OBJECT TO UNIQUE BAR CODE IDENTIFIERS ON BALLOTS: Regardless of assurances given and "good reasons for it" provided, this is a step which can be used to capture your political privacy. Unique identifiers on the ballot will kill political privacy when misused, and regardless of what they tell you, they can be misused.* * * * *
If all this feels uncomfortable, it should. Each item described above involves concealment of key election processes. Concealment creates unaccountability and is an open invitation to fraud and undetected error. Concealment transfers public controls to insiders, and in the end, obstructs our fundamental right to self-governance, a necessary component for freedom itself. Everlasting vigilance. Still required.
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Black Box Voting conducts original research into voting rights issues throughout the USA, gets these issues covered by mainstream media, distributes key issues to activists nationwide, and mentors local citizens who take action.
