Women's Group Drops Support for E-Voting

[AmyStrange]

Women's Group Drops Support for E-Voting
Tue Jun 15,11:21 AM ET - AP
By RACHEL KONRAD, AP Technology Writer

FROM: http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=536&ncid=536&e=19&u=/ap/20040615/ap_on_el_ge/league_electronic_voting
The League of Women Voters rescinded its support of paperless voting machines on Monday after hundreds of angry members voiced concern that paper ballots were the only way to safeguard elections from fraud, hackers or computer malfunctions.

About 800 delegates who attended the nonpartisan league's biennial convention in Washington voted overwhelmingly in favor of a resolution that supports "voting systems and procedures that are secure, accurate, recountable and accessible."

That relatively neutral stance was a sharp change from last year, when league leaders endorsed paperless terminals as reliable alternatives to antiquated punch card and lever systems. About 30 percent of the electorate will use touchscreen voting machines in the November election, and hardly any of the machines provide paper records that could be used in case of a contested election.

Last year's endorsement infuriated members from chapters around the country — particularly in Silicon Valley and other technology-savvy enclaves, where computer scientists say the systems jeopardize elections. Legitimate recounts are impossible without paper records of every vote cast, they say.

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[coreystone]

1. How much impact does this have across party lines?

How influential is The League of Women Voters in garnering support for a fair election among its members?

[AmyStrange]

3. !!! Welcome to the DU !!!

check out the best "unofficial" DU slang dictionary:

http://DUG.SeattleActivist.org/

[newyawker99]

5. Hi coreystone!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[edkohler]

6. Lost debate clout

Well, they used to have more influence before they lost control of the presidential debates to Republican and Democratic donors. They are a great group, but they need to start hammering their democratic (small 'd') positions on the parties.

[flewellyn]

2. I knew they'd do it!

I spoke with a local LWV member that I know, and she told me that the League's rank and file were beyond apoplectic with fury over their leadership endorsing the Diebold plan. She said that, come the League elections, there would be changes. Glad to see she was right!

[AmyStrange]

4. !!! Welcome to the DU !!!

hope you are enjoying your stay and check out the best "unofficial" DU slang dictionary:

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