Maryland city to test new election software | Politics In Color:
Scantegrity comes to Takoma Park
End-to-end system to be tested in April, used in November
Takoma Park, Md. has long been considered a bastion of progressive thinking. The town is a nuclear-free zone, the city, by statute, is forbidden to do business with the country of Burma (Myanmar), and residents must apply for a city permit to cut down trees even on private property.
And the citys progressive thinking doesnt stop with environmental and social issues, it also extends to elections. Takoma Park allows non-citizens to vote in local elections, uses instant-runoff voting and recently, more than 20 election integrity advocates, poll workers and concerned citizens gathered at a community center to discuss Scantegrity, an end-to-end voting system built on top of an optical scan system that allows voters to confirm that their ballots were counted as cast after the election.
The November 2009 municipal elections in Takoma Park will mark the first time that Scantegrity is used for a binding public election but first, it will be tested in a mock election on April 11 in conjunction with the Takoma Park Arbor Day celebration."
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Scantegrity - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Scantegrity - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:
Scantegrity is a security enhancement for optical scan voting systems, providing such systems with end-to-end (E2E) verifiability of election results. It uses privacy-preserving confirmation codes to allow a voter to prove to themselves that their ballot is included unmodified in the final tally.
Scantegrity II prints the confirmation codes in invisible ink to improve usability and dispute resolution. As the system relies on cryptographic techniques, the ability to validate an election outcome is both software independent as well as independent of faults in the physical chain-of-custody of the paper ballots. The system was developed by a team of researchers including cryptographers David Chaum and Ron Rivest.
Scantegrity is a security enhancement for optical scan voting systems, providing such systems with end-to-end (E2E) verifiability of election results. It uses privacy-preserving confirmation codes to allow a voter to prove to themselves that their ballot is included unmodified in the final tally.
Scantegrity II prints the confirmation codes in invisible ink to improve usability and dispute resolution. As the system relies on cryptographic techniques, the ability to validate an election outcome is both software independent as well as independent of faults in the physical chain-of-custody of the paper ballots. The system was developed by a team of researchers including cryptographers David Chaum and Ron Rivest.
EDITORIAL – Tories dropped the ball on electoral system - Grande Prairie Daily Herald Tribune - Alberta, CA
EDITORIAL – Tories dropped the ball on electoral system - Grande Prairie Daily Herald Tribune - Alberta, CA:
It’s election time, a time for voters to have their say. However, the ruling party of the day gets to decide who all the returning officers are, the people who will actually run the election. Many of those people are not nominated until weeks or even days before the election, making it tough to update any reasonable voter’s list.
These things didn’t happen in some banana republic, they happened here in Alberta in the last provincial election, March 3, 2008.
This week, the man who tried to point out these facts, and many other problems with the last election, was fired by the provincial government. Well, technically he wasn’t fired, his contract was simply not renewed, but in political terms he was fired when an all-party committee voted to not renew his contract.
It’s election time, a time for voters to have their say. However, the ruling party of the day gets to decide who all the returning officers are, the people who will actually run the election. Many of those people are not nominated until weeks or even days before the election, making it tough to update any reasonable voter’s list.
These things didn’t happen in some banana republic, they happened here in Alberta in the last provincial election, March 3, 2008.
This week, the man who tried to point out these facts, and many other problems with the last election, was fired by the provincial government. Well, technically he wasn’t fired, his contract was simply not renewed, but in political terms he was fired when an all-party committee voted to not renew his contract.
Apps set to be acclaimed as Liberals' next president - globeandmail.com
globeandmail.com: Apps set to be acclaimed as Liberals' next president:
OTTAWA NOTEBOOK
Meet the Prez: Iggy's man is in without a fight
Alf Apps, a well-connected Bay Street lawyer and one of the Liberals responsible for plucking Michael Ignatieff from Harvard and bringing him back to Canada, is set to become the party's next president. He will be unopposed at the party's convention in Vancouver in late April.
OTTAWA NOTEBOOK
Meet the Prez: Iggy's man is in without a fight
Alf Apps, a well-connected Bay Street lawyer and one of the Liberals responsible for plucking Michael Ignatieff from Harvard and bringing him back to Canada, is set to become the party's next president. He will be unopposed at the party's convention in Vancouver in late April.
Editorial: Electronic Voting Machines | Philadelphia Inquirer | 02/28/2009
Editorial: Electronic Voting Machines | Philadelphia Inquirer | 02/28/2009:
Editorial: Electronic Voting Machines
Start over
New Jersey officials promised years ago to retrofit the state's beleaguered electronic voting machines with verifiable paper records. But now that lawmakers have put off the implausible project for a third time, it looks more than ever like a figment of the political imagination.
Editorial: Electronic Voting Machines
Start over
New Jersey officials promised years ago to retrofit the state's beleaguered electronic voting machines with verifiable paper records. But now that lawmakers have put off the implausible project for a third time, it looks more than ever like a figment of the political imagination.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Chapman added to national board | Montgomery Advertiser
Chapman added to national board | montgomeryadvertiser.com | Montgomery Advertiser:
Alabama Secretary of State Beth Chapman was unanimously elected to the Executive Board of the United States Election Assistance Commission's (EAC) Standards Board.
The EAC is an independent, bipartisan agency created by the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) in 2002. The commission assists and guides state and local election administrators in improving the management of elections for federal office. It serves as a national clearinghouse and resource for information regarding election administration. It also accredits voting system testing, laboratories and certifications.
Alabama Secretary of State Beth Chapman was unanimously elected to the Executive Board of the United States Election Assistance Commission's (EAC) Standards Board.
The EAC is an independent, bipartisan agency created by the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) in 2002. The commission assists and guides state and local election administrators in improving the management of elections for federal office. It serves as a national clearinghouse and resource for information regarding election administration. It also accredits voting system testing, laboratories and certifications.
Hybrid elections prone to fraud, cost P5b more -- Philippine News -- Manila Standard Today
Philippine News -- Manila Standard Today -- Hybrid elections prone to fraud, cost P5b more -- feb27_2009:
POLL officials yesterday warned that the hybrid automation system backed by the House of Representatives would cost the country P5 billion more in the 2010 elections, yet would still be prone to cheating.
POLL officials yesterday warned that the hybrid automation system backed by the House of Representatives would cost the country P5 billion more in the 2010 elections, yet would still be prone to cheating.
Testifying before the Senate finance committee, Commission on Elections Chairman Jose Melo said the House passed the P11.3-billion supplemental budget for poll automation, but made its release conditional on the passage of a new law governing the 2010 elections.
Melo said most congressmen favored a hybrid system in which only the election of national officials—the president, vice president and senators—would be automated. That would leave the election of local officials, including congressmen, under a manual voting system.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
ASUN voting goes online - News Net Nebraska
ASUN voting goes online:
This year, any computer with Internet access becomes a UNL polling place.
On March 4, students will be able to vote for their new ASUN representatives online.
UNL is using an outside vendor called Votenet to run the online polling. Votenet is based in Washington D.C., and runs a similar voting service for companies and schools across the country, Beyke said.
This year, any computer with Internet access becomes a UNL polling place.
On March 4, students will be able to vote for their new ASUN representatives online.
UNL is using an outside vendor called Votenet to run the online polling. Votenet is based in Washington D.C., and runs a similar voting service for companies and schools across the country, Beyke said.
Oregon House looks at online voting, citizen access - OregonLive.com
Oregon House looks at online voting, citizen access - OregonLive.com:
Oregon would move deeper into the electronic age under three bills a House committee considered Wednesday that would make it easier to register to vote, cast an absentee ballot and keep track of how the state government spends taxpayer money.
One measure, House Bill 2386, would direct the secretary of state to develop a system for online voter registration. It would use digital copies of voters' signatures on driver's licenses or state identification cards for voter registration purposes.
That bill drew little comment, but another measure, House Bill 2511, was more controversial. It would allow military personnel and other longtime absentee voters who live overseas to cast their ballots electronically.
Oregon would move deeper into the electronic age under three bills a House committee considered Wednesday that would make it easier to register to vote, cast an absentee ballot and keep track of how the state government spends taxpayer money.
One measure, House Bill 2386, would direct the secretary of state to develop a system for online voter registration. It would use digital copies of voters' signatures on driver's licenses or state identification cards for voter registration purposes.
That bill drew little comment, but another measure, House Bill 2511, was more controversial. It would allow military personnel and other longtime absentee voters who live overseas to cast their ballots electronically.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Canadian Internet usage quiz -- surprise answers inside! | rabble.ca
Interestingly enough, Canada is leading the planet on internet penetration per capita. About 24 million canadians are on line. What is interesting is that almost all online canadians use high speed internet according to this article on rabble.ca.
And, on average the 85 per cent of online Canadians who visit a social network spent six hours per month each. Ninety-six per cent of online Canadians get there via high speed access (higher than the 85 per cent in the U.S.).
You can read the whole article here if you like. Also according to this article, Atlantic Canada is the highest penetration by region at 80%.
The article goes on to say that huge percentages of those on line use social networking such as facebook or blogs.
IA may throw out chief due to vote-buying - Winnipeg Free Press
Winnipeg Free Press:
IA may throw out chief due to vote-buying
Federal Indian Affairs officials are finally prepared to intervene in the troubled Little Saskatchewan First Nation, more than a year after receiving a report of vote-buying.
A letter obtained by the Free Press shows regional Indian Affairs officials are stepping in because of alleged corruption.
IA may throw out chief due to vote-buying
Federal Indian Affairs officials are finally prepared to intervene in the troubled Little Saskatchewan First Nation, more than a year after receiving a report of vote-buying.
A letter obtained by the Free Press shows regional Indian Affairs officials are stepping in because of alleged corruption.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Newspaper launches SA elections web site
Newspaper launches SA elections web site:
As previously reported on this site, The Times has launched www.saelections.co.za to give full coverage to SA's general election, which will be held on Wednesday, 22 April 2009.
The new web site will be powered by the news and opinion from The Times (www.thetimes.co.za). The site will also provide election news from across the web and blogosphere, media analysis and interactive features like online voting.
As previously reported on this site, The Times has launched www.saelections.co.za to give full coverage to SA's general election, which will be held on Wednesday, 22 April 2009.
The new web site will be powered by the news and opinion from The Times (www.thetimes.co.za). The site will also provide election news from across the web and blogosphere, media analysis and interactive features like online voting.
E-voting security fixes will get us nowhere without stats - Ars Technica
E-voting security fixes will get us nowhere without stats - Ars Technica:
At the American Association for the Advancement of Science meeting, a statistician made a forceful argument that her field can help us do a better job of ensuring fair and representative elections, but only if we decide to let it.
At the American Association for the Advancement of Science meeting, a statistician made a forceful argument that her field can help us do a better job of ensuring fair and representative elections, but only if we decide to let it.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Tories swing axe - The Edmonton Journal
Tories swing axe:
The Edmonton Journal
Published: Saturday, February 21, 2009
As outlined by an act of the Alberta legislature, the province's Chief Returning Officer is to be 'non-partisan,' and must ensure 'that elections are conducted fairly and that political entities and voters abide by the rules set out in legislation.'
Fair-minded observers agree that current CRO Lorne Gibson, who assumed his duties on June 12, 2006, had been doing just that, and rather well. Following the 2008 election, he made more than 100 recommendations for changes to Alberta's creaky electoral system.
The Edmonton Journal
Published: Saturday, February 21, 2009
As outlined by an act of the Alberta legislature, the province's Chief Returning Officer is to be 'non-partisan,' and must ensure 'that elections are conducted fairly and that political entities and voters abide by the rules set out in legislation.'
Fair-minded observers agree that current CRO Lorne Gibson, who assumed his duties on June 12, 2006, had been doing just that, and rather well. Following the 2008 election, he made more than 100 recommendations for changes to Alberta's creaky electoral system.
Cyprus Polling stations to operate abroad for European Elections 2009 - Financialmirror.com News
Financialmirror.com News - Cyprus Polling stations to operate abroad for European Elections 2009:
Polling stations for conducting the European Elections 2009 are expected to be set up in Greece, Britain, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Bulgaria, Russia, Australia, the USA, Arab countries and in other countries around the world where there are at least 50 voters, Chief of Elections at the Ministry of Interior, Demetris Demetriou has said.
In an interview with CNA, Demetriou said that according to the number of voters who came to Cyprus from abroad for last year’s presidential elections, they are estimated to be about 25,000 to 30,000 voters.
Polling stations for conducting the European Elections 2009 are expected to be set up in Greece, Britain, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Bulgaria, Russia, Australia, the USA, Arab countries and in other countries around the world where there are at least 50 voters, Chief of Elections at the Ministry of Interior, Demetris Demetriou has said.
In an interview with CNA, Demetriou said that according to the number of voters who came to Cyprus from abroad for last year’s presidential elections, they are estimated to be about 25,000 to 30,000 voters.
Democracy can't be trusted to politicians - Calgary Herald
Democracy can't be trusted to politicians:
Lorne Gibson's ouster as chief electoral officer shows how a few dozen elected people hold all the power over running elections in Alberta.
Both logically and intuitively, this is wrong. Politicians should not set standards and judge performance for the vote that can end or advance their own careers.
Nobody else gets to do this. Judges don't control their own appointments. Police officers bow to civilian oversight. Top military officers and commanders are installed by the government.
Lorne Gibson's ouster as chief electoral officer shows how a few dozen elected people hold all the power over running elections in Alberta.
Both logically and intuitively, this is wrong. Politicians should not set standards and judge performance for the vote that can end or advance their own careers.
Nobody else gets to do this. Judges don't control their own appointments. Police officers bow to civilian oversight. Top military officers and commanders are installed by the government.
Washington Bill for Internet Voting for Overseas Voters Advances - Ballot Access News
Ballot Access News:
Washington Bill for Internet Voting for Overseas Voters Advances
February 22nd, 2009
On February 12, the Washington State Committee on State Government & Tribal Affairs passed HB 1624, to establish internet voting for military and overseas voters. It now goes to the Appropriations Committee, where it will be heard on February 25. The bill has opposition from people who worry that the procedure isn’t safe; the normal state law mandating a paper trail is waived for this type of voting. A companion bill in the Senate is SB 5522.
Washington Bill for Internet Voting for Overseas Voters Advances
February 22nd, 2009
On February 12, the Washington State Committee on State Government & Tribal Affairs passed HB 1624, to establish internet voting for military and overseas voters. It now goes to the Appropriations Committee, where it will be heard on February 25. The bill has opposition from people who worry that the procedure isn’t safe; the normal state law mandating a paper trail is waived for this type of voting. A companion bill in the Senate is SB 5522.
Computerworld - NSW to develop Web-based election software
Computerworld - NSW to develop Web-based election software:
The NSW Electoral Commission (NSW) will develop a range of Web- and Windows-based applications to support the operation of elections paving the way for the possible introduction of online voting throughout the state.
In an expression of interest document released this week, the commission is seeking a contractor to provide system integration services for 'the ongoing development and support of .NET/Oracle computer applications'.
The NSW Electoral Commission (NSW) will develop a range of Web- and Windows-based applications to support the operation of elections paving the way for the possible introduction of online voting throughout the state.
In an expression of interest document released this week, the commission is seeking a contractor to provide system integration services for 'the ongoing development and support of .NET/Oracle computer applications'.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Florida - Legislation Aims To Take Politics Out Of Elections
Legislation Aims To Take Politics Out Of Elections:
TAMPA - Election chiefs in Florida walk a fine line between politics and the oath of office.
On one hand, the state's supervisors of elections take a constitutional pledge to remain impartial when it comes to running local elections and overseeing voter registration.
On the other, like county commissioners, tax collectors and property appraisers, they run for the office under a partisan banner, and often depend upon support from major parties to help bankroll their campaigns and gain face and name recognition with the electorate.
It's a dichotomy that some state lawmakers want to eliminate.
TAMPA - Election chiefs in Florida walk a fine line between politics and the oath of office.
On one hand, the state's supervisors of elections take a constitutional pledge to remain impartial when it comes to running local elections and overseeing voter registration.
On the other, like county commissioners, tax collectors and property appraisers, they run for the office under a partisan banner, and often depend upon support from major parties to help bankroll their campaigns and gain face and name recognition with the electorate.
It's a dichotomy that some state lawmakers want to eliminate.
Election ballots sent to children by accident - globeandmail.com:
globeandmail.com: Election ballots sent to children by accident:
BRANDON, Man. — The Department of Indian Affairs is asking some members of Manitoba's Peguis band to destroy ballots it accidentally sent their children.
At least 26 children who live off-reserve were sent ballots in the mail for a coming election of chief and council.
BRANDON, Man. — The Department of Indian Affairs is asking some members of Manitoba's Peguis band to destroy ballots it accidentally sent their children.
At least 26 children who live off-reserve were sent ballots in the mail for a coming election of chief and council.
California considers decertifying election software - Times-Standard Online, CA
State considers decertifying election software - Times-Standard Online:
"Bowen's office announced that it will hold a public hearing March 17 at her Sacramento office to discuss the findings of its investigation into the problem, and to take public comment on the possible withdrawal of the state's approval of the voting system. Meanwhile, the two other counties in the state that use the system are left contemplating what its decertification would mean, and some election advocates are lobbying for some punitive action to be taken against Premier Elections Solutions."
"Bowen's office announced that it will hold a public hearing March 17 at her Sacramento office to discuss the findings of its investigation into the problem, and to take public comment on the possible withdrawal of the state's approval of the voting system. Meanwhile, the two other counties in the state that use the system are left contemplating what its decertification would mean, and some election advocates are lobbying for some punitive action to be taken against Premier Elections Solutions."
Dates set for provincial budget and two by-elections - Winnipeg Free Press
Winnipeg Free Press:
Dates set for provincial budget and two by-elections
20/02/2009 1:57 PM
Voters in Elmwood and The Pas head to the polls March 24, Premier Gary said today.
The two provincial by-elections will see two new MLAs elected in ridings long held by the New Democrats."
Dates set for provincial budget and two by-elections
20/02/2009 1:57 PM
Voters in Elmwood and The Pas head to the polls March 24, Premier Gary said today.
The two provincial by-elections will see two new MLAs elected in ridings long held by the New Democrats."
Half of Bulgarians Do Not Plan to Vote in EP Elections:
Half of Bulgarians Do Not Plan to Vote in EP Elections:
"About half of all Bulgarians (47%) are not going to vote in the elections of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), data from a poll conducted by the 'Barometer.info' agency reveals.
Only 33% stated they were going to vote while the rest have not yet decided.
The Agency's coordinator Nikolay Nikolov stated that Bulgarian voters still see European institutions as something far way and not connected to Bulgaria."
"About half of all Bulgarians (47%) are not going to vote in the elections of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), data from a poll conducted by the 'Barometer.info' agency reveals.
Only 33% stated they were going to vote while the rest have not yet decided.
The Agency's coordinator Nikolay Nikolov stated that Bulgarian voters still see European institutions as something far way and not connected to Bulgaria."
State and County Elections Offices Struggle with Economic Crisis - VoteTrustUSA
VoteTrustUSA - State and County Elections Offices Struggle with Economic Crisis:
"In Fairfax County, Va., Rokey Suleman, general registrar, said while normal hours are being maintained at the office, two vacancies cannot be filled because of budget concerns. Further, the department is being forced to cut down on seasonal staff to make up for budgetary shortfalls.
More significantly to voters, Fairfax County will not be moving to an optical scan system because it cannot afford it right now. The machines sit idle, waiting until the county can afford to purchase the paper.
“We have mothballed our optical-scan voting equipment that was recently purchased because we cannot afford paper ballots. The transition to paper is now delayed 18 moths,” Suleman said. “We are relying on old DRE equipment. I have started to advocate vote-by-mail elections but do not believe that will happen in Virginia for at least a decade.”"
"In Fairfax County, Va., Rokey Suleman, general registrar, said while normal hours are being maintained at the office, two vacancies cannot be filled because of budget concerns. Further, the department is being forced to cut down on seasonal staff to make up for budgetary shortfalls.
More significantly to voters, Fairfax County will not be moving to an optical scan system because it cannot afford it right now. The machines sit idle, waiting until the county can afford to purchase the paper.
“We have mothballed our optical-scan voting equipment that was recently purchased because we cannot afford paper ballots. The transition to paper is now delayed 18 moths,” Suleman said. “We are relying on old DRE equipment. I have started to advocate vote-by-mail elections but do not believe that will happen in Virginia for at least a decade.”"
Turkey - 8.5 million disabled demand accessible polling booths
8.5 million disabled demand accessible polling booths:
According to the address-based registration database (AKS), 48,265,644 people will be eligible to vote in the March 29 local elections, but 4 million of the 8.5 million disabled citizens eligible to vote will not be able to do so because of inaccessible polling booths.
According to the address-based registration database (AKS), 48,265,644 people will be eligible to vote in the March 29 local elections, but 4 million of the 8.5 million disabled citizens eligible to vote will not be able to do so because of inaccessible polling booths.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Ballot box blow - Calgary Herald
Ballot box blow:
Ballot box blow
Election chief's firing disgraceful
Calgary Herald
February 20, 2009 3:02 AM
The Stelmach government's removal of chief electoral officer Lorne Gibson amounts to shooting the messenger who called for electoral reform. It's a significant blow to democracy in Alberta.
Recruited by the Tories less than three years ago from Elections Manitoba, Gibson made several hundred recommendations that would depoliticize the province's election process, improve financial disclosure rules, and generally make the voting system more efficient, transparent and effective. Not one has been adopted."
Ballot box blow
Election chief's firing disgraceful
Calgary Herald
February 20, 2009 3:02 AM
The Stelmach government's removal of chief electoral officer Lorne Gibson amounts to shooting the messenger who called for electoral reform. It's a significant blow to democracy in Alberta.
Recruited by the Tories less than three years ago from Elections Manitoba, Gibson made several hundred recommendations that would depoliticize the province's election process, improve financial disclosure rules, and generally make the voting system more efficient, transparent and effective. Not one has been adopted."
Nigerians in Diaspora to vote in 2011, says Iwu - Guardian Newspapers
Guardian Newspapers: Nigerians in Diaspora to vote in 2011, says Iwu
From Mohammed Abubakar, Abuja
THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has hinted on the possibility of extending voting rights to Nigerians living abroad in the next general election, in deference to a recent court decision. Before now, it has not been possible for Nigerians in Diaspora to vote in the country's democratic process.
While receiving a delegation from Angola led by that country's Vice Minister for Territorial Administration and Electoral Matters, Edeltrudes Costa in Abuja yesterday, INEC Chairman, Prof. Maurice Iwu, said the consideration followed a recent court pronouncement in Nigeria on the need to give Nigerians outside the country the right to participate in the country's electoral process.
From Mohammed Abubakar, Abuja
THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has hinted on the possibility of extending voting rights to Nigerians living abroad in the next general election, in deference to a recent court decision. Before now, it has not been possible for Nigerians in Diaspora to vote in the country's democratic process.
While receiving a delegation from Angola led by that country's Vice Minister for Territorial Administration and Electoral Matters, Edeltrudes Costa in Abuja yesterday, INEC Chairman, Prof. Maurice Iwu, said the consideration followed a recent court pronouncement in Nigeria on the need to give Nigerians outside the country the right to participate in the country's electoral process.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Alberta elections chief ousted - Edmonton Journal
Alberta elections chief ousted:
Alberta’s chief electoral officer was given his walking papers Wednesday night after an all-party committee of MLAs, dominated by the governing Conservatives, voted not to renew Lorne Gibson’s contract.
The decision to let Gibson go came after a meeting Friday afternoon that highlighted all the mistakes of the 2008 election, from Elections Alberta’s failure to do a full count of voters to Gibson not getting a list of eligible returning officers from the Progressive Conservative party until weeks or days before polls opened.
On March 3, 2008, just 41 per cent of Albertans cast ballots, amounting to the lowest voter turnout in the province’s history.
Alberta’s chief electoral officer was given his walking papers Wednesday night after an all-party committee of MLAs, dominated by the governing Conservatives, voted not to renew Lorne Gibson’s contract.
The decision to let Gibson go came after a meeting Friday afternoon that highlighted all the mistakes of the 2008 election, from Elections Alberta’s failure to do a full count of voters to Gibson not getting a list of eligible returning officers from the Progressive Conservative party until weeks or days before polls opened.
On March 3, 2008, just 41 per cent of Albertans cast ballots, amounting to the lowest voter turnout in the province’s history.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Missouri bill would allow overseas online military voting - Columbia Missourian
Missouri bill would allow overseas online military voting - Columbia Missourian:
Military members and their families living overseas would be able to vote online under a proposal by a former St. Louis County election official.
Rep. John Diehl, the former St. Louis County elections chairman, said spotty mail service, especially in combat areas, effectively disenfranchises many members of the military.
'Mail service, especially mail service in the military, is not exactly the model of efficiency,' the Republican from Town and Country said Tuesday.
Diehl said between 50,000 and 60,000 military and civilian voters from Missouri live overseas. In the 2006 election, roughly 7,700 requested absentee ballots and about 3,300 of those were cast.
The House Elections Commission heard testimony on the bill Tuesday but did not vote on it.
Military members and their families living overseas would be able to vote online under a proposal by a former St. Louis County election official.
Rep. John Diehl, the former St. Louis County elections chairman, said spotty mail service, especially in combat areas, effectively disenfranchises many members of the military.
'Mail service, especially mail service in the military, is not exactly the model of efficiency,' the Republican from Town and Country said Tuesday.
Diehl said between 50,000 and 60,000 military and civilian voters from Missouri live overseas. In the 2006 election, roughly 7,700 requested absentee ballots and about 3,300 of those were cast.
The House Elections Commission heard testimony on the bill Tuesday but did not vote on it.
VoteHere's technology ends up in the hands of Election Trust
VoteHere's technology ends up in the hands of Election Trust - TechFlash: Seattle's Technology News Source:
For more than a decade, VoteHere.net attempted to transform the way U.S. citizens voted. But despite numerous corporate directions -- not to mention some $20 million in venture funding -- VoteHere's online balloting system never really took off.
But another Bellevue online voting company believes there's at least some value in those assets. Today, Election Trust announced that it acquired certain licenses and patents from Dategrity Corp., the successor company to VoteHere. Among the technologies acquired was the Mail-in Ballot Tracker, a technology that helps department of elections track, tabulate and report mail-in ballots."
For more than a decade, VoteHere.net attempted to transform the way U.S. citizens voted. But despite numerous corporate directions -- not to mention some $20 million in venture funding -- VoteHere's online balloting system never really took off.
But another Bellevue online voting company believes there's at least some value in those assets. Today, Election Trust announced that it acquired certain licenses and patents from Dategrity Corp., the successor company to VoteHere. Among the technologies acquired was the Mail-in Ballot Tracker, a technology that helps department of elections track, tabulate and report mail-in ballots."
UA set to try online voting, again |The Tuscaloosa News | Tuscaloosa, AL
UA set to try online voting, again :
Back in 2003, the person who cast nearly 4,500 fraudulent votes in that year's student government elections was successful in getting online ballots banished from the University of Alabama.
Next month, after a six-year hiatus, UA officials will try again with Internet voting. Students can begin campaigning for SGA offices Friday, with elections to be held March 3-4.
Two factors should make next month's student government elections different from the failed 2003 election. For one, technology is better, and, second, an off-campus company that specializes in online elections will manage the process, said Kelli Knox-Hall, one of two staff members with the Ferguson Center who directs Election Board business.
Back in 2003, the person who cast nearly 4,500 fraudulent votes in that year's student government elections was successful in getting online ballots banished from the University of Alabama.
Next month, after a six-year hiatus, UA officials will try again with Internet voting. Students can begin campaigning for SGA offices Friday, with elections to be held March 3-4.
Two factors should make next month's student government elections different from the failed 2003 election. For one, technology is better, and, second, an off-campus company that specializes in online elections will manage the process, said Kelli Knox-Hall, one of two staff members with the Ferguson Center who directs Election Board business.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Libs shop for 'psychographic' voter targeting software - The Hill Times
Libs shop for 'psychographic' voter targeting software - The Hill Times - Newspaper Online.:
"... Greg Elmer, who is the Bell Globemedia Research Chair at Ryerson University, said the kind of voter-targeting software that was used by Mr. Obama's election campaigns has a 'marketing-like imperative' whereby potential voters are profiled using 'psychographic' information. Political parties use these programs to classify people based on their likes and dislikes by tapping into various information databases, such as census and credit card data, to determine the traits of people who are likely to vote for them. Mr. Elmer said these systems also use GIS (geographic information systems) mapping software that can show exactly where such likely voters live."
"... Greg Elmer, who is the Bell Globemedia Research Chair at Ryerson University, said the kind of voter-targeting software that was used by Mr. Obama's election campaigns has a 'marketing-like imperative' whereby potential voters are profiled using 'psychographic' information. Political parties use these programs to classify people based on their likes and dislikes by tapping into various information databases, such as census and credit card data, to determine the traits of people who are likely to vote for them. Mr. Elmer said these systems also use GIS (geographic information systems) mapping software that can show exactly where such likely voters live."
Philipines - OFWs may vote in 2010 elections via the Internet
OFWs may vote in 2010 elections via the Internet
Filipinos abroad may vote via the Internet in next year’s presidential elections if Congress approves the process.
“We are trying to include it (Internet voting) in an amendment to start with seafarers in the 2010 elections,” Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Nicodemo Ferrer said. “It was successfully used in the last presidential elections in Florida.”
Ferrer said the poll body is strongly pushing for an amendment of the law to allow Internet voting in the 2010 elections.
“We want to use it for seafarers first because they are the ones who are unable to vote even if they are registered because they are on board foreign vessels during elections,” he said.
Filipinos abroad may vote via the Internet in next year’s presidential elections if Congress approves the process.
“We are trying to include it (Internet voting) in an amendment to start with seafarers in the 2010 elections,” Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Nicodemo Ferrer said. “It was successfully used in the last presidential elections in Florida.”
Ferrer said the poll body is strongly pushing for an amendment of the law to allow Internet voting in the 2010 elections.
“We want to use it for seafarers first because they are the ones who are unable to vote even if they are registered because they are on board foreign vessels during elections,” he said.
Election Trust Acquires VoteHere Mail-in Balloting Tools
Election Trust Acquires VoteHere Mail-in Balloting Tools:
Election Trust LLC announced today that it has acquired Mail-in Ballot Tracker™ (MiBT) along with related election administration licenses and patents from Dategrity Corporation (formerly VoteHere, Inc.).
Among the assets Election Trust has acquired from Dategrity/VoteHere® are patented procedural methods and encryption technology that not only improve accountability for the election administrator but enable the mail-in voter to confirm her ballot has been successfully counted.
Election Trust LLC announced today that it has acquired Mail-in Ballot Tracker™ (MiBT) along with related election administration licenses and patents from Dategrity Corporation (formerly VoteHere, Inc.).
Among the assets Election Trust has acquired from Dategrity/VoteHere® are patented procedural methods and encryption technology that not only improve accountability for the election administrator but enable the mail-in voter to confirm her ballot has been successfully counted.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Praying for peace, Nepalis line up for historic poll
Praying for peace, Nepalis line up for historic poll:
KATHMANDU (Reuters) - Praying it will bring their country lasting peace after a decade of war and insurgency, Nepalis lined up from dawn on Thursday to cast their vote in a historic election, the country's first in nine years.
KATHMANDU (Reuters) - Praying it will bring their country lasting peace after a decade of war and insurgency, Nepalis lined up from dawn on Thursday to cast their vote in a historic election, the country's first in nine years.
Why the kids don't vote - Gauntlet
Gauntlet Features - Why the kids don't vote:
Researchers are saying that low voter engagement is not a new phenomenon. In fact, turnout has been dropping in Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States and France. A 2003 joint study conducted by Carleton University, the University of Toronto and Elections Canada found that only 22 per cent of 18-20 year olds voted in the 2000 federal election. The study found that electoral participation numbers dropped consistently as the age group grew younger. In fact, the single most effective determinant for whether a person voted was their age. More troubling, the study found that successive generations of voters were less likely to vote than their once-young counterparts were when in the youngest age bracket.
If in the past young people were less likely to become involved in community and national politics than their 30- and 40-year-old counterparts, today they are much less likely to be involved, so the gap between younger people and their older counterparts has grown,' says Dr. Keith Archer, a U of C professor and expert on electoral politics.
Why aren't we voting?
Archer notes that the demographic trend could be due to modern living conditions. Prospective voters in the 18-to-25-year-old range often live away from their home constituency or travel for work or school, so they don't establish the same ties to their community that older voters with kids or mortgages have.
Researchers are saying that low voter engagement is not a new phenomenon. In fact, turnout has been dropping in Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States and France. A 2003 joint study conducted by Carleton University, the University of Toronto and Elections Canada found that only 22 per cent of 18-20 year olds voted in the 2000 federal election. The study found that electoral participation numbers dropped consistently as the age group grew younger. In fact, the single most effective determinant for whether a person voted was their age. More troubling, the study found that successive generations of voters were less likely to vote than their once-young counterparts were when in the youngest age bracket.
If in the past young people were less likely to become involved in community and national politics than their 30- and 40-year-old counterparts, today they are much less likely to be involved, so the gap between younger people and their older counterparts has grown,' says Dr. Keith Archer, a U of C professor and expert on electoral politics.
Why aren't we voting?
Archer notes that the demographic trend could be due to modern living conditions. Prospective voters in the 18-to-25-year-old range often live away from their home constituency or travel for work or school, so they don't establish the same ties to their community that older voters with kids or mortgages have.
New voting machines to assist voters with disabilities in the provincial by-election
CNW Group | ELECTIONS ONTARIO | Media Bulletin - New voting machines to assist voters with disabilities in the provincial by-election:
Elections Ontario will pilot new electronic vote tabulators equipped with ballot marking devices during advance polls in the Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock by-election. The ballot marking device will allow electors with visual impairments or physical disabilities to mark their ballot independently.
Elections Ontario will pilot new electronic vote tabulators equipped with ballot marking devices during advance polls in the Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock by-election. The ballot marking device will allow electors with visual impairments or physical disabilities to mark their ballot independently.
Polling station stormed during Sask. community’s election
Polling station stormed during Sask. community’s election:
SASKATOON — The man in charge of an election for a Saskatchewan First Nation community wants the results thrown out after he says a crowd of angry residents stormed a polling station and police had to be called in.
Galen Tracy, the chief electoral officer for the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation election, is describing a commotion that he says took place Monday in Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, about 90 kilometres north of Saskatoon.
Voting in the community election was run this month over four days in four communities.
Tracy said he decided to conduct the count on Feb. 14 to allow time for mail-in ballots postmarked on or before Feb. 9 to arrive.
... a crowd of between 30 and 35 members of the First Nations stormed the polling station on Feb. 9, demanding the votes be counted that night, Tracy said Thursday.
SASKATOON — The man in charge of an election for a Saskatchewan First Nation community wants the results thrown out after he says a crowd of angry residents stormed a polling station and police had to be called in.
Galen Tracy, the chief electoral officer for the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation election, is describing a commotion that he says took place Monday in Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, about 90 kilometres north of Saskatoon.
Voting in the community election was run this month over four days in four communities.
Tracy said he decided to conduct the count on Feb. 14 to allow time for mail-in ballots postmarked on or before Feb. 9 to arrive.
... a crowd of between 30 and 35 members of the First Nations stormed the polling station on Feb. 9, demanding the votes be counted that night, Tracy said Thursday.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Privacy watchdog questions security of voters' lists - CTV.ca |
CTV.ca | Privacy watchdog questions security of voters' lists:
The Canadian Press
OTTAWA -- Elections Canada and Passport Canada need to do more to protect individual privacy, a government watchdog said Thursday.
Privacy Commissioner Jennifer Stoddart says voter lists are a concern.
The Canadian Press
OTTAWA -- Elections Canada and Passport Canada need to do more to protect individual privacy, a government watchdog said Thursday.
Privacy Commissioner Jennifer Stoddart says voter lists are a concern.
Elections Canada may be exposing voters to ID theft: privacy commissioner
Elections Canada may be exposing voters to ID theft: privacy commissioner:
Canadian voters are at risk of identity theft because of voters lists that go missing and are circulated widely among political parties, says Canada's privacy commissioner.
'The personal information of Canadian voters is not adequately protected,' commissioner Jennifer Stoddart said Thursday in a statement after presenting a report to Parliament highlighting the issue. 'We're concerned that voters' personal information could fall into the wrong hands and be used for illegal activities.'"
Canadian voters are at risk of identity theft because of voters lists that go missing and are circulated widely among political parties, says Canada's privacy commissioner.
'The personal information of Canadian voters is not adequately protected,' commissioner Jennifer Stoddart said Thursday in a statement after presenting a report to Parliament highlighting the issue. 'We're concerned that voters' personal information could fall into the wrong hands and be used for illegal activities.'"
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Ireland - Government signals climbdown on €54m e-voting machines - National News, Frontpage - Independent.ie
Government signals climbdown on €54m e-voting machines - National News, Frontpage - Independent.ie:
The 7,500 e-voting machines, bought at a cost of €51m, have cost a further €3m to store in an air hanger in Co Meath and various locations around the country while the Government deliberates on what to do with them. The annual cost of storing the e-voting machines peaked at €706,000 in 2006, with election returning officers renting individual locations around the country.
The 7,500 e-voting machines, bought at a cost of €51m, have cost a further €3m to store in an air hanger in Co Meath and various locations around the country while the Government deliberates on what to do with them. The annual cost of storing the e-voting machines peaked at €706,000 in 2006, with election returning officers renting individual locations around the country.
Europe - Online voting in elections - what do people really think?
Online voting in elections - what do people really think? :
European Parliament
Estonia is the only European country to allow online voting and last week, in our online poll we asked if you wanted to vote using the internet. The results are in and while 30% agreed outright and another 18% said they would vote online if they could be sure it was safe, a majority of 52% still prefer the trip to the polling booth. Opinion was also split among MEPs as to its merits.
European Parliament
Estonia is the only European country to allow online voting and last week, in our online poll we asked if you wanted to vote using the internet. The results are in and while 30% agreed outright and another 18% said they would vote online if they could be sure it was safe, a majority of 52% still prefer the trip to the polling booth. Opinion was also split among MEPs as to its merits.
HONOLULU - Councilman proposes Internet vote for city
KPUA.net - KPUA Hawaii News - Councilman proposes Internet vote for city:
By Associated Press
HONOLULU (AP) — A Honolulu city councilman is proposing a study into implementing online voting for municipal elections.
Councilman Donovan Dela Cruz says Internet voting could boost turnout and save money by reducing the need for printed ballots. Only two-thirds of eligible voters showed up at the polls last November, when favorite-son Barack Obama was on the ballot.
By Associated Press
HONOLULU (AP) — A Honolulu city councilman is proposing a study into implementing online voting for municipal elections.
Councilman Donovan Dela Cruz says Internet voting could boost turnout and save money by reducing the need for printed ballots. Only two-thirds of eligible voters showed up at the polls last November, when favorite-son Barack Obama was on the ballot.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Geneva introduces e-voting. - swissinfo
With more than 70 per cent in favour, voters decided on Sunday to enshrine electronic voting in the constitution – making Geneva the first of Switzerland's 26 cantons to do so.
Friday, February 6, 2009
LinuxWorld | Open source: How e-voting should be done
LinuxWorld | Open source: How e-voting should be done:
An open source approach to open voting systems is essential to the integrity of an electoral process. Here's a technical blueprint for securing the vote"
An open source approach to open voting systems is essential to the integrity of an electoral process. Here's a technical blueprint for securing the vote"
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Overseas Koreans get voting rights - The Korea Herald
The Korea Herald : The Nation's No.1 English Newspaper: Overseas Koreans get voting rights
The National Assembly yesterday passed bills granting overseas Korean nationals voting rights in presidential elections and the proportional representation section of general elections.
Under the bills, all Korean citizens abroad aged 19 or more, including those with permanent residency in foreign countries, will be eligible.
Election-related laws had limited voting rights to Korean citizens whose residence was registered in Korea.
The Constitutional Court ruled the restriction unconstitutional in June 2007, saying that the laws infringed on overseas Koreans' rights to vote and to equal treatment, and ordered them to be revised by the end of last year.
The National Assembly yesterday passed bills granting overseas Korean nationals voting rights in presidential elections and the proportional representation section of general elections.
Under the bills, all Korean citizens abroad aged 19 or more, including those with permanent residency in foreign countries, will be eligible.
Election-related laws had limited voting rights to Korean citizens whose residence was registered in Korea.
The Constitutional Court ruled the restriction unconstitutional in June 2007, saying that the laws infringed on overseas Koreans' rights to vote and to equal treatment, and ordered them to be revised by the end of last year.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Report investigates why fewer Canadians are casting ballots
Report investigates why fewer Canadians are casting ballots: Renata D'Aliesio, Calgary Herald
Published: Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Canada's anemic voter turnout, which hit a record-low 59 per cent in the October federal election, 'will require the leadership of civil society' to reverse the troubling 20-year trend, says the country's chief electoral officer.
In a report released Tuesday, the country's election boss, Marc Mayrand, notes voter participation was a significant concern in last year's election, dropping from 65 per cent in the 2006 campaign for a variety of reasons that aren't well understood.
"Given Canadians' changing expectations and attitudes to technology and service, it may be time to consider ways of making voting more accessible and relevant to the evolving expectations of electors in general, and especially younger voters," the report states.
Published: Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Canada's anemic voter turnout, which hit a record-low 59 per cent in the October federal election, 'will require the leadership of civil society' to reverse the troubling 20-year trend, says the country's chief electoral officer.
In a report released Tuesday, the country's election boss, Marc Mayrand, notes voter participation was a significant concern in last year's election, dropping from 65 per cent in the 2006 campaign for a variety of reasons that aren't well understood.
"Given Canadians' changing expectations and attitudes to technology and service, it may be time to consider ways of making voting more accessible and relevant to the evolving expectations of electors in general, and especially younger voters," the report states.
Elections Canada On-Line | Media
Elections Canada On-Line | Media: Chief Electoral Officer's Report on 40th General Election
and Official Voting Results Are Now Available
OTTAWA, Tuesday, February 3, 2009
The report of the Chief Electoral Officer of Canada, Marc Mayrand, on the 40th general election and the official voting results are now available on the Elections Canada Web site at www.elections.ca.
Report: http://www.elections.ca/gen/rep/re2/sta_2008/stat_report_e.pdf
and Official Voting Results Are Now Available
OTTAWA, Tuesday, February 3, 2009
The report of the Chief Electoral Officer of Canada, Marc Mayrand, on the 40th general election and the official voting results are now available on the Elections Canada Web site at www.elections.ca.
Report: http://www.elections.ca/gen/rep/re2/sta_2008/stat_report_e.pdf
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Cyprus: Bill to allow overseas voting in Euro elections heads for parliament
Bill to allow overseas voting in Euro elections heads for parliament
By Jacqueline Theodoulou
A BILL regulating voting laws for the forthcoming European Parliament elections is expected to reach the Plenum on Thursday.
Interior Minister Neoclis Sylikiotis yesterday urged Parliament to speed up the legislation’s approval.
The minister is especially concerned with the provision that will allow the opening of voting centres for Cypriots abroad.
The aim, he told the House Internal Affairs Committee, was to give the state and consular authorities abroad sufficient time to prepare the grounds for around 30 to 40 voting centres to open worldwide, and launch an information campaign to inform Cypriots abroad on what they have to do."
By Jacqueline Theodoulou
A BILL regulating voting laws for the forthcoming European Parliament elections is expected to reach the Plenum on Thursday.
Interior Minister Neoclis Sylikiotis yesterday urged Parliament to speed up the legislation’s approval.
The minister is especially concerned with the provision that will allow the opening of voting centres for Cypriots abroad.
The aim, he told the House Internal Affairs Committee, was to give the state and consular authorities abroad sufficient time to prepare the grounds for around 30 to 40 voting centres to open worldwide, and launch an information campaign to inform Cypriots abroad on what they have to do."
Monday, February 2, 2009
National Journal Online - The Future Of E-Voting
Lori Steele, CEO of Everyone Counts is interviewed about the future of electronic voting. She continues with her message that the technology is ready, but that the US is still not comfortable with it yet. She is quoted saying that Britain is convinced that Internet voting is their only solution.
But abroad it has gained popularity and is building momentum. In the United Kingdom, they have been doing pilots over the Internet since 2002 -- they did 2002, 2003, 2007. And once they get past their general election, which as you know in Britain could be called at any time, but no later than 2010, they will likely begin pilots again. They've actually said in Britain that to increase turnout and increase accessibility for voters, it's become clear through their piloting that Internet voting is the only answer....
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