BBV: Join In The Protest In DC Tomorrow

[JohnGideon]

Though some protestors will be in formal wear, don't let that stop you from joining in the fun. Come out and show your support for verifiable voting. We have confirmed that the NYTimes will be there.

Media Alert

Election Integrity Groups Protest
At the Election Center's National Conference for Election Officials

WHO: Representatives of VotersUnite.Org, TrueVote Maryland, True Majority, and Common Cause.

WHAT: Women in evening dress and men in tuxedos, carrying a 6-foot long check made out to "Election Officials" for "Parties, Cruises, Wining & Dining" and signed by "Diebold, ES&S and Sequoia," will call attention to the 4-day Election Center Conference for Election Officials, which is co-sponsored by voting machine vendors.

WHERE: Grand Hyatt Hotel at the corner of 11th and H Streets, N.W. in Washington, D.C.

WHEN: Thursday, August 26, 2004, from noon until 1:00 ET.

Background Brief:

The Election Center, a non-profit organization identifying itself as "an international service association of election and voter registration officials," is a central source of information for United States election officials and related government agencies.

In March of 2004, it was discovered that the Election Center, which trains election officials and advises Congress and government agencies on election process issues, has taken large donations from manufacturers of electronic voting machines even as it has issued strong statements supporting the security of the machines. R. Doug Lewis, the center's executive director confirmed that the organization had received donations from Sequoia, ES&S, and Diebold.

August 24 through 27, 2004, the Election Center is holding its National Conference in Washington DC. Diebold is sponsoring the welcome reception. A dinner cruise on the Potomac and "Monuments by Night Tour" is co-sponsored by Sequoia. ES&S is sponsoring the graduation luncheon and awards ceremony.

Groups concerned about the apparent conflict of interest are staging a peaceful, entertaining protest.

"Election officials and voting machine vendors are one happy family," said Lynn Holbein, who organized the event. "It's hard to see how the officials can evaluate election equipment objectively after being wined, dined, and entertained by the people selling the machines."

"Louisiana's Secretary of State Fox McKeithen won't let his election officials take anything at all from vendors, not even a cup of coffee. He's got the right idea," she added.

See the Conference schedule here: (http://www.electioncenter.org/conferences/nationalconf/dc program 2004.doc).

For facts about electronic voting, see http://www.votersunite.org

See the flyer the protesters distributed here: (ECConferenceFlyer.pdf)

Contacts:
Ellen Theisen Lauren Coletta
Executive Director, VotersUnite! Director of Campaigns, Common Cause
360-437-9922 202-736-5774
[e-mail] [e-mail]
www.votersunite.org www.commoncause.org

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[JohnGideon]

1. kick n/t

[BevHarris]

2. This sounds like a hoot!

I heard about it from the New York Times, who will certainly cover it.

What a great idea -- dressing up like the party boat crowd.

This is an excellent way to draw attention to The Election Center.

Good job, VotersUnite, TrueMajority and all.

Bev Harris

[Andy_Stephenson]

3. Damn...

I wish I was there with ma cam. This would make a great video moment I am sure.

:thumbsup:

[TrustingDog]

4. kick

[ParanoidPat]

5. Kick!

:kick:

[RedEagle]

6. Kick!

R. Doug Lewis has created an exclusive little club.

Same with IACREOT.

Under the guise of "educating," teach 'em what you want them to know and make sure you are their only information source.

And while you're at it, tell them that they know more than mere voters and voters should be seen but not heard.

[RedEagle]

7. Kick Again!

[JohnGideon]

8. I Think We Have Someone Submitting An ....

Open Records Request in Olympia to ask for documents that explain who pays for the SoS's membership to the ElectionCenter (the taxpayer does but we want it on paper). Also they should be asking for records for who from the SoS Office is attending the conference, if anyone. And, who is paying for airfare (taxpayer), attendance fees (taxpayer), and is the person on state time (yes). Once this is all documented, Sam has an ethics problem for allowing this to happen.

This can be done in any state. Most states have laws/rules against accepting gifts from real or potential vendors.

[RedEagle]

9. Lets See, State Elections Director....

...anyone in that office and any county personnel.

Oh, and let's not forget the former state election directors.

This one might work.

[RedEagle]

10. Anyone got an update on this?

Kick!

[JohnGideon]

11. The Group Who Protested Were Great.....

There were only a few people there. They were in formal wear and passed out sparkling cider to any passers-by who wanted any. Lot's of feather boas and glitter and stuff. They had a 6' tall champagne bottle (one dimensional) and a check signed by Diebold, ES&S and Sequoia that was 3'x6'. They had a lot of handouts for anyone who was interested.

There was one TV station there who interviewed them. Adam Cohen of the NYTimes was also there but did not seem too interested.

All in all, some would call the demonstration a failure but if we got one or two people who saw what it was all about and understood, then it was a success.

I know that my county decided not to send anyone this year, even though there was someone scheduled to attend. I let them know that I was watching.

Louisiana and Utah both reminded their employees that they were not to accept ANY gifts from vendors. That's a step in the right direction.

The real success for the day is that someone snuck in without credentials and spent about 4 hours before being discovered. We don't know who this person is though. Also it was reported that Rep. Ney gave one of the first speeches and he made statements about no paper ballots to standing ovations.

Next year, we need to do better with more people and more press.