Premier Voting Solutions Admits Problem With Machines
Photo: Getty Images
The logic error is present in both types of voting machines made by Premier (formerly Diebold): touchscreens and optical scan systems. These machines are used in 34 states (1,750 jurisdictions). In Ohio's March primaries, it is known that the machines temporarily lost 1,000 ballots.
The cumbersome system set in place by the Help America Vote Act and the Election Assistance Commission means that there is no quick fix for this problem. In other words, the problem will be with us in November. A company spokesman said it takes "two years on average for certification and approval" of any proposed change.
Earlier this week, Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner banned the practice of voting machine "sleepovers" at poll worker homes the night before an election. Her press statement said:
We want Ohio’s voters and the rest of the nation to see that we have prepared a transparent process of transporting voting equipment, ballots and supplies. That begins with security practices at boards of elections and polling places, documented chain of custody, and now procedures to make secure voting machine delivery.
See An Illustrated History of Voting Methods and Technology and States Abandoning Touchscreen Voting Equipment. On the web: Planning to E-Vote? Read This First.
Comments
Here’s a comment from EAC via email:
Ms. Gill,
I read your entry regarding the EAC’s “cumbersome process” which you attributed to a voting machine vendor. In the future, I would appreciate it if you would contact us when commenting on our process, and not relying solely on the vendor’s explanation. Our chair issued a statement about this very issue almost two months ago, and I think your readers would have benefited from having a balanced presentation on the importance of taking the time necessary to thoroughly evaluate these voting systems. There is also a huge volume of material, including letters to vendors and test labs, noting non-compliance, multiple incomplete test plans drafts, and concerns in general about compliance. All of these issues contribute to the pace of the program, and all it is readily available to the public.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can be of further assistance. Thank you for your consideration.
Jeannie Layson
U.S. Election Assistance Commission
1225 New York Ave., NW
Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20005
Phone: 202-566-3100
www.eac.gov
Wow, guess these repugs are trying to steal yet another election…
Sickening..