John Gideon of votersunite followed up his colleague Ellen Theisen with reference to the situation in Volusia County, Florida. Problems with early voting led to a count of four fewer ballots than people who had voted. An advisory from Premier Voting Machines [formerly Diebold] instructed the counties in Florida what to do in this sort of situation. However, the same notice did not go to other states that use the same machinery—New Hampshire, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Illinois, among others.
This should have been an issue for the EAC to attend to, said Gideon. Will NACO add its support if he emails the EAC tomorrow morning?
McLaughlin said that she would find out more about the specific situation and consider supporting Gideon.
Jim Strait, heard then for the first time since he began the show, asked whether standardization of machinery is the answer. “Cyberspace contradicts transparency.”
What if the system doesn’t work” asked McLaughlin, who prefers to build a menu that will work, to keep “building bridges.”
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The newly elected Democratic commissioner from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, was the next interviewee. Diane Marsaglia is quite aware of the importance of her state next November and how most of it is voting on machines that have been proved in other states to be uncertifiable. Optical scanners are the best solution.
She supports Rush Holt’s HR 5036 and would like to persuade the county’s congressman, Patrick Murphy, to add his support.
Why are the counties so silent on the subject of the voting machines? asked Mary Ann.
It has to do with money, answered Marsaglia. Voting machines are not a priority for Gov. Ed Rendell.
As to the question whether it’s already too late in Pennsylvania to think about switching to optical scanners, the commissioner was optimistic; it’s not yet too late, especially since 5036 provides funding for the purchase of new machinery. She would support a resolution to “opt in” if the bill passes. Her colleagues might support her.
There is not yet enough support from the citizenry, she added. Those who explore the issue do become concerned. Shows like this are helpful, and especially in a presidential election year.
Mary Ann ended the interview with a question she has posed to her commissioners again and again: Who owns Electec? Who are the stockholders and main suppliers? She heard that they had dealings with felons in Louisiana.
The issue is becoming more exigent because Electec is taking on more machines in the state, she added.
Marsaglia promised to find out.
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