What balloting method SHOULD they be using for elections?

[DefRef]

Forget this election. It's obvious that they need to come up with a UNIVERSAL system that EVERY STATE will have to use for the next go around.

There a various punch card ballots and voting machines that were made decades ago. NYC keeps 70 mechanics on call Election Day to run around and fix these beasts.

I've seen touch screen voting pitched, but I'm totally against that because the potential for fraud and hacking is too high AND there's no PHYSICAL record to look at.

My city uses large (like 10"x20&quot cardstock ballots that you have to fill in the circles with a felt-tip marker, like a ScanTron sheet. Afterwards, the ballots are sucked into a mechanical ballot box.

This way would allow fast computer counting, keep a physical record AND eliminate this whole "hanging chad" bullshiznit that the Goreistas are hanging their election theft plans on.

Works for me. What say y'all?

 

[SuperTool]

We need to do this with a computer. You walk up you press the button for the candidate. His name/party shows up on screen. If that's the right guy, you press confirm, and off you go. If it's wrong, press cancel and pick again. We need to standardize this across the US. Then we will have instant gratification.

 

[JellyBaby]

An idiot proof design would surpise the hell out of me. There's just no such beast. Voting is a fairly complex process, especially to these who can barely operate a microwave oven.

But computerization is the way to go and hacking is a minor concern if each election site is designed as a closed network.

I still propose mandatory voting instruction courses for all Flordia residents over age 56. Prolly cheaper in the long run.

 

[DefRef]

No! Computer voting is the worst option because it's too easy to write the code to count in a manner that favors one candidate or another. If that occurs, what proof do you have that people voted one way or the other. Heck, a power surge or loss and the vote goes blooey!

You need to have something tangible to record the votes. Using a marker (not a pencil) on a paper ballot prevents the "is it or isn't it" hole punch controversies and keeps something tangible to look at.

C'mon, we are ALL using computers. Do you think that there's no chance of screw-ups or foul play?

 

[JellyBaby]

<< Do you think that there's no chance of screw-ups or foul play? >>

Umm, have you see what an archaic, manual system is doing to a certain county in Florida?

Hey, I'm not suggesting M$ developers ought to develop the system. But we have UPS backup systems nows, digital signatures and even the advanced capability to print the ballots after taking voter input.

That's an idear: fully automate the vote taking process itself but keep the evidence physiscal by immediately printing it out.