In 2003, Maryland became one of the first states to implement electronic voting devices, its response to voting irregularities during the 2000 presidential election. The state spent an initial $55.6 million to buy the automated teller-like machines, abandoning optical-scan ballots, which provide paper verification. At the time, critics warned of security flaws, and Lamone has been criticized since the purchase.
Since then, Diebold has come under increased scrutiny. Late last year, an elections supervisor in Leon County, Fla., announced that his jurisdiction would no longer use the company's machines after computer experts manipulated votes. The highly publicized incident intensified debate over voting security. |