Reply #28: the system currently works this way in Florida

[imenja]

in fact, our counts are broadcasting on local cable access television. That was the case in 2000, 2002, and 2004 (and probably before, though I didn't live in the state then). They reviewed absentee and provisional ballots in front of cameras (as well as machine counts) and there was nonetheless great controversy over which ballots were thrown out and the results of these elections in general.

I don't claim any knowledge of machines, so I will defer to others about which apparatus, mechanical or computerized, is most reliable. I think it is important, however, not to rely completely on public observations for certifying elections. There will be places where it will be very difficult to find Democratic observers. They system itself needs to be made as verified. As I've said, I would advocate mandating that a certain percentage of ballots be checked by hand as the normal course of every election. It's also important to keep in mind what is politically realistic. An ideal system on paper is meaningless if we can't get it passed into law. In Florida, the state legislature will not cooperate with election reform. We have to take it directly to the people, so I need a solution--at least an improvement--that can be passed into law through a popular vote on a state constitutional amendment. I really want to get working on this because we must have it on the ballot in 2006.