WSJ: This electronic voting deal isn't working out so well

[EFerrari]

Reversing Course on Electronic Voting

Some Former Backers of Technology
Seek Return to Paper Ballots,
Citing Glitches, Fraud Fears
By JEANNE CUMMINGS
May 12, 2006; Page A4

WASHINGTON -- Some advocates of a 2002 law mandating upgrades of the nation's voting machinery now worry the overhaul is making things worse.

With the 2006 midterm elections approaching, proponents of the Help America Vote Act are filing lawsuits to block some state and election officials' efforts to comply with the act.

The Help America Vote Act called for upgrading election equipment to guard against another contested outcome such as the 2000 presidential vote. Among the flaws in balloting almost six years ago were antiquated hand-operated voting machines and punch-card ballots that were difficult to read. To redress that, members of Congress pushed for modernization, which could include touch-screen voting machines, on which ballots are cast and recorded solely electronically. At the time, the electronic voting machines were seen as a reliable contrast to the older technology.

The lawsuits -- nine so far -- coincide with a stampede by state and county officials to spend $3 billion allocated by Congress to help pay for upgrades. To comply with the Help America Vote Act, a number of states and dozens of counties purchased touch-screen voting machines. The deadline for spending the money is tied to each state's 2006 primary dates.

http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB114739688261250925-q5rh2ocioxu6mgjmS6bZPCZL0HY_20060610.html?mod=tff_main_tff_top

So, now the Hinder American Voters Act is gerating lawsuits and making stocks wobble. Now, THAT'S a problem.

:evilgrin: