Reply #81: Just ABCs, and nothing is wrong as long as other factors are random, but

[L. Coyote]

the other factors are not random. Given 5 candidates, the probability that any one cross-vote will go to one particular other candidate is 0.25. Closer analysis reveals that this probability is not the case.

If there is conspiracy, it is not in the sequence or rotation, it has to be in other aspects, like deciding to have multiple ballot orders at locations, deciding how many precincts will vote at a location in which areas, challenging one precinct but not the other at a location, suffling precincts, combining precincts at locations, the worst performing machines at the highest Kerry voting precincts, etc.

The very fact that Bush and Kerry are adjacent in the alphabetical sequence is itself a factor. Look at the high percentage of locations with only 2 ballot orders. Combine this with the fact that the rotation is assigned by precinct number. Which precincts are combined at a location? Ones adjacent to each other in precinct number!

We have seen this in hindsight. Those organizing the election know this in foresight!

(Spelling edit.)