Reply #18: Simple accounting...

[DubyaSux]

The reason for two databases is a simple accounting method.

With double-entry accounting (which all evoting compaines use), you can't just delete entries. If you want to remove a vote, you would have to enter that record as a "debit" (so to speak). The credit/debit method resolves so that it must always balance. So, someone would have to gain access to both databases and make the same change to both. Without the contents of both, you can't do it. Toying with the data would be obvious and easily correctable because the only things that couldn't resolve, are the bogus votes (in either direction).

As far as Gore's votes, he probably would have won with evoting because all the disenfranchised voters would have had a real vote. Like it or not, Gore lost because the people that wanted him in Florida (older people...less dexterity, eyesight not as good, all the things I've already said) had trouble with the ballot system. Even if you get rid of the butterfly ballot, you still have the pregnant hanging chad nightmare and the election commission's ability to "divine" the intent of the voter.

I can't even beleive this is debateable. Paper balloting sucks worse than anything if you truly want all votes to be counted.