'Daily Voting News' For February 06, 2007

Guest Blogged by John Gideon of VotersUnite.org Today has been a huge news day. Two bills were filed in Congress; one that we support (HR-756) and one that we don't. HR-811 (the new HR-550) was filed, with 168 co-sponsors, and became the new Holt Bill. Newspapers began writing editorials and voicing their opinions before any of them could have read the bill. Many groups tripped over themselves in a race to endorse the bill; some without ever having read its contents. One group began, two weeks ago, asking their members to begin making calls to support the bill which was then changed more than once in the ensuing period. VotersUnite will not support this legislation because of its allowance for the continued use of DREs and its corruption of "paper ballot". At this time, we will also not work against those groups who wish to support the bill. Instead we will stand neutral and report the facts, and an occasional opinion, as we have always done. // It appears that beleaguered Cuyahoga Co. Ohio elections boss, Michael Vu, is to be removed from his job. // Also being reported from Ohio is that the new SOS has asked the state auditor to do a complete audit of the SOS office over the past two years. Blackwell seems to have left a mess and a few problems....

NAtional: The U.S. Election Assistance Commission's Executive Director Oversaw Failed Voting Machine Test Labs in Earlier Role as Well LINK

NAtional: Rep. Holt's New Election Reform Legislation Filed Today in U.S. House LINK

NAtional: Split vote on election machines LINK

NAtional: Editorial - Electronic vote backup will keep elections honest LINK

NAtional: Representative Rush Holt Introduces Election Reform Legislation LINK

NAtional: Rep. Holt reintroduces bill to require paper trails for voting LINK

NAtional: Holt Reintroduces Voter Confidence and Increased Accessibility Act LINK

NAtional: Rep. DeGette Introduces Legislation Calling for Electronic Pollbook Standards LINK

NAtional: Congressman renews push for e-vote paper trails Holt wants to mandate transparency, chain of custody, verifiability LINK

FL: Opinion - Voting reform needs more than paper trail LINK

FL: Opinion - 'Charlie and Rob Show' touches reality LINK

FL: Opinion - Back to the future in Florida LINK

FL: Voting officials in a frenzy again Broward and Miami-Dade election officials are scurrying to learn more about the governor's plan for new voting machines. LINK

FL: Explore options for voter verifiable paper ballot LINK

FL: Florida: Let's Clarify the Real Choice in Election Systems LINK

FL: Sarasota County - Limited Investigations LINK

MN: Townships seek help from state on voting mandate LINK

NJ: Require a paper trail of all votes LINK

NJ: Ulster County - Ulster County to explore voting by mail LINK

NY: GOP and Dems spar over voter intimidation LINK

OH: Secretary of state wants office audited LINK

OH: Cuyahoga County - BOE Chairman: Michael Vu To Leave Elections Post LINK

OH: Cuyahoga County's Election Problems LINK

OH: Cuyahoga County elections chief resigns LINK

OH: Cuyahoga County - Board Of Elections Statement On Michael Vu's Resignation LINK

OH: Stark County - Cold weather won't stop election or voters LINK

VA: Touch-screen voting is a failed experiment LINK

**"Daily Voting News" is meant as a comprehensive listing of reports each day concerning issues related to election and voting news around the country regardless of quality or political slant. Therefore, items listed in "Daily Voting News" may not reflect the opinions of VotersUnite.Org or OpEdNews.Com**