Montreal voters could be allowed to mail in ballot:
MONTREAL: Voters out of town for the next municipal election will likely be able to mail in their ballots. A resolution by the city’s executive committee calls for people inscribed on the voter’s list, but outside of the city for an election, be allowed to vote by mail. The resolution follows a law passed by the provincial government to allow cities to adopt mail-in voting.
The city council must now vote on the resolution.
The resolution is particularly significant for the city of Montreal, because property owners have the right to vote, and many live outside the city.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Philippines - AMA group pulls out of poll bidding process - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos
AMA group pulls out of poll bidding process - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos:
MANILA, Philippines -- The consortium of AMA Group Holdings and Election Systems and Software Inc. has bowed out of competition for the automation of next year’s general elections, leaving the joint venture between Smartmatic International and Total Information Management as the lone entity qualified to bid for the project.
MANILA, Philippines -- The consortium of AMA Group Holdings and Election Systems and Software Inc. has bowed out of competition for the automation of next year’s general elections, leaving the joint venture between Smartmatic International and Total Information Management as the lone entity qualified to bid for the project.
Computing: Unlocking the cloud | The Economist
Computing: Unlocking the cloud | The Economist:
Unlocking the cloud
May 28th 2009
From The Economist print edition
Open-source software has won the argument. Now a new threat to openness looms
"... The argument has been won. It is now generally accepted that the future will involve a blend of both proprietary and open-source software. Traditional software companies have opened up some of their products, and many open-source companies have adopted a hybrid model in which they give away a basic version of their product and make money by selling proprietary add-ons (see article). The rise of software based on open, internet-based standards means worries about lock-in have become much less of a problem."
But now there is the danger of a new form of lock-in. “Cloud computing”—the delivery of computer services from vast warehouses of shared machines—enables companies and individuals to cut costs by handing over the running of their e-mail, customer databases or accounting software to someone else, and then accessing it over the internet. There are many advantages to this approach for both customers (lower cost, less complexity) and service providers (economies of scale). But customers risk losing control once again, in particular over their data, as they migrate into the cloud."
Unlocking the cloud
May 28th 2009
From The Economist print edition
Open-source software has won the argument. Now a new threat to openness looms
"... The argument has been won. It is now generally accepted that the future will involve a blend of both proprietary and open-source software. Traditional software companies have opened up some of their products, and many open-source companies have adopted a hybrid model in which they give away a basic version of their product and make money by selling proprietary add-ons (see article). The rise of software based on open, internet-based standards means worries about lock-in have become much less of a problem."
But now there is the danger of a new form of lock-in. “Cloud computing”—the delivery of computer services from vast warehouses of shared machines—enables companies and individuals to cut costs by handing over the running of their e-mail, customer databases or accounting software to someone else, and then accessing it over the internet. There are many advantages to this approach for both customers (lower cost, less complexity) and service providers (economies of scale). But customers risk losing control once again, in particular over their data, as they migrate into the cloud."
Friday, May 29, 2009
Ritchie is sued over voter-registration records - Minneapolis Star Tribune
Ritchie is sued over voter-registration records:
Secretary of State Mark Ritchie is being sued in the state Supreme Court by the group Minnesota Majority, several Republican legislators and others over alleged vote discrepancies in the 2008 election.
The suit, filed Thursday, says that the state's voter registration system has not been adequately updated and that vote totals from canvassing boards exceed the stated number of registered voters by 406,398. Ritchie disputed the claims.
Secretary of State Mark Ritchie is being sued in the state Supreme Court by the group Minnesota Majority, several Republican legislators and others over alleged vote discrepancies in the 2008 election.
The suit, filed Thursday, says that the state's voter registration system has not been adequately updated and that vote totals from canvassing boards exceed the stated number of registered voters by 406,398. Ritchie disputed the claims.
Error found in IRV vote tabulation | Aspen Daily News Online
Error found in IRV vote tabulation | Aspen Daily News Online:
More than three weeks after Aspen’s first-ever instant-runoff election, city officials announced an error in the tabulation of the final-round vote totals for mayor.
More than three weeks after Aspen’s first-ever instant-runoff election, city officials announced an error in the tabulation of the final-round vote totals for mayor.
The BRAD BLOG : Virtually Voting: Bush's U.S. EAC Chair Cashes In to Head Company Running 'All-Digital' Elections
The BRAD BLOG : Virtually Voting: Bush's U.S. EAC Chair Cashes In to Head Company Running 'All-Digital' Elections:
"As if the former U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) chair Paul DeGregorio hadn't done enough damage to our nation's electoral system during his disastrous reign as a commissioner from 2003 to 2007, it looks like he's now more than happy to cash in on his Bush-appointed public post in the private sector as Chief Operating Officer for a dubious Internet voting operation."
"Everyone Counts (E1C) is the San Diego-based firm which ran "America's first all-digital online and telephone election" in Honolulu which completed last week. That's the way it was described by Aaron Contorer, the company's Chief of Products and Partnership, in a very thinly disguised press release, sadly posted, as if a news article, recently by Huffington Post. [Full Disclosure: We also contribute articles to HuffPo, though we try to offer news, rather than press releases.]"
"As if the former U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) chair Paul DeGregorio hadn't done enough damage to our nation's electoral system during his disastrous reign as a commissioner from 2003 to 2007, it looks like he's now more than happy to cash in on his Bush-appointed public post in the private sector as Chief Operating Officer for a dubious Internet voting operation."
"Everyone Counts (E1C) is the San Diego-based firm which ran "America's first all-digital online and telephone election" in Honolulu which completed last week. That's the way it was described by Aaron Contorer, the company's Chief of Products and Partnership, in a very thinly disguised press release, sadly posted, as if a news article, recently by Huffington Post. [Full Disclosure: We also contribute articles to HuffPo, though we try to offer news, rather than press releases.]"
ANEC Statement on accessibility of voting | Press Release Services - EurActiv.com
ANEC Statement on accessibility of voting | Press Release Services - EurActiv.com:
From 4 to 7 June 2009, millions of citizens will have the chance to vote in the elections to the European Parliament. Most will be able to cast their votes without problem. But others will find themselves disenfranchised through reasons of older age or disability. And they constitute more then 10% of voters.
ANEC believes all those entitled to vote should be able to do so. And in secret. Modern solutions and standards should be used to help everyone exercise democratic choice.
From 4 to 7 June 2009, millions of citizens will have the chance to vote in the elections to the European Parliament. Most will be able to cast their votes without problem. But others will find themselves disenfranchised through reasons of older age or disability. And they constitute more then 10% of voters.
ANEC believes all those entitled to vote should be able to do so. And in secret. Modern solutions and standards should be used to help everyone exercise democratic choice.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
e-voting in the EP elections started in Estonia :: The Baltic Course | Baltic States news & analytics
e-voting in the EP elections started in Estonia :: The Baltic Course | Baltic States news & analytics:
Electronic voting is open around the clock on the website www.valimised.ee, announced the National Electoral Committee.
Internet voting began at 9 o’clock in the morning on May 28 and will end at 8 o’clock in the evening on June 3.
People voting via the internet can, if they want, change their votes by casting another vote electronically or by voting in the polling stations during the days of advance polls from June 1 to 3. During the proper elections day, on June 7, the votes cannot be changed.
This is the first time e-voting is open at the European Parliament elections in Estonia."
Electronic voting is open around the clock on the website www.valimised.ee, announced the National Electoral Committee.
Internet voting began at 9 o’clock in the morning on May 28 and will end at 8 o’clock in the evening on June 3.
People voting via the internet can, if they want, change their votes by casting another vote electronically or by voting in the polling stations during the days of advance polls from June 1 to 3. During the proper elections day, on June 7, the votes cannot be changed.
This is the first time e-voting is open at the European Parliament elections in Estonia."
Internet sees Estonia vote first in EU elections | EU - European Information on EU Elections 09 - EurActiv.com
EurActiv.com - Internet sees Estonia vote first in EU elections | EU - European Information on EU Elections 09:
Despite EU polling stations not opening until 4 June, many Estonians have jumped the gun by voting online today (28 May). But it remains to be seen whether Internet voting will boost poor turnout in the country.
Despite EU polling stations not opening until 4 June, many Estonians have jumped the gun by voting online today (28 May). But it remains to be seen whether Internet voting will boost poor turnout in the country.
Too soon for online-only voting - Hawaii Editorials - Starbulletin.com
Too soon for online-only voting - Hawaii Editorials - Starbulletin.com:
Neighborhood board elections relying heavily on Internet balloting resulted in abysmal voter turnout, indicating that online voting, if ready for prime time where needed, has not been tested enough to take the lead role.
Other experiments should be conducted without undermining election results, as this week's round came close to doing.
Given the choice of voting online or by telephone, only 7,289 of 115,000 registered voters on Oahu cast ballots, a turnout rate of 6 percent, compared with 28 percent in neighborhood-board elections two years ago. Internet voting was allowed in the 2007 board elections but accounted for only 10 percent of the total vote, most of which was cast by mail.
Neighborhood board elections relying heavily on Internet balloting resulted in abysmal voter turnout, indicating that online voting, if ready for prime time where needed, has not been tested enough to take the lead role.
Other experiments should be conducted without undermining election results, as this week's round came close to doing.
Given the choice of voting online or by telephone, only 7,289 of 115,000 registered voters on Oahu cast ballots, a turnout rate of 6 percent, compared with 28 percent in neighborhood-board elections two years ago. Internet voting was allowed in the 2007 board elections but accounted for only 10 percent of the total vote, most of which was cast by mail.
Elections officials confirm low voter turnout in B.C.'s provincial election - The Canadian Press
The Canadian Press: Elections officials confirm low voter turnout in B.C.'s provincial election:
Election officials in British Columbia say the addition of advanced ballots didn't raise the turnout in province's May 12 election.
Instead, after the final tally of votes, turnout was just 51 per cent - one percentage point lower than what was initially reported.
While the election was two weeks ago, a large number of absentee ballots weren't counted until this week.
In all, 1.65 million ballots were counted - 120,000 fewer than in the 2005 election, when turnout was 58 per cent.
Elections BC had predicted a turnout of two million - about 62 per cent.
Election officials in British Columbia say the addition of advanced ballots didn't raise the turnout in province's May 12 election.
Instead, after the final tally of votes, turnout was just 51 per cent - one percentage point lower than what was initially reported.
While the election was two weeks ago, a large number of absentee ballots weren't counted until this week.
In all, 1.65 million ballots were counted - 120,000 fewer than in the 2005 election, when turnout was 58 per cent.
Elections BC had predicted a turnout of two million - about 62 per cent.
AT&T May Have Swayed ‘Idol’ Results - NYTimes.com
AT&T May Have Swayed ‘Idol’ Results - NYTimes.com:
LOS ANGELES — AT&T, one of the biggest corporate sponsors of “American Idol,” might have influenced the outcome of this year’s competition by providing phones for free text-messaging services and lessons in casting blocks of votes at parties organized by fans of Kris Allen, the Arkansas singer who was the winner of the show last week.
LOS ANGELES — AT&T, one of the biggest corporate sponsors of “American Idol,” might have influenced the outcome of this year’s competition by providing phones for free text-messaging services and lessons in casting blocks of votes at parties organized by fans of Kris Allen, the Arkansas singer who was the winner of the show last week.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Technology could modernize voting process in Minnesota - St. Paul Legal Ledger
St. Paul Legal Ledger:
Technology could modernize voting process in Minnesota
Before a registered voter steps into a Minnesota election booth, poll workers comb through sheets of paper to find his or her name on the voting roster.
Soon, however, the tedious process of sifting through paper records could be superseded, thanks to new technology displayed at the University of Minnesota on Wednesday.
Michael Hoversten, a regional account manager for Omaha-based Election Systems & Software, presented his company’s so-called electronic poll book that speeds up the process considerably.
Technology could modernize voting process in Minnesota
Before a registered voter steps into a Minnesota election booth, poll workers comb through sheets of paper to find his or her name on the voting roster.
Soon, however, the tedious process of sifting through paper records could be superseded, thanks to new technology displayed at the University of Minnesota on Wednesday.
Michael Hoversten, a regional account manager for Omaha-based Election Systems & Software, presented his company’s so-called electronic poll book that speeds up the process considerably.
Philippines: COMELEC: ONLY SMARTMATIC MEETS REQUIREMENTS IN AUTOMATION
COMELEC: ONLY SMARTMATIC MEETS REQUIREMENTS IN AUTOMATION:
The consortium of Smartmatic and Total Information Management Corp. is so far the only bidder that has met the requirements set by the Commission on Elections-Special Bids and Awards Committee (Comelec-SBAC) for the P11.3-billion automation contract.
The Comelec-SBAC named the consortium as the bidder “with the single complying calculated bid.”
But in Omnibus SBAC Resolution No. 09-002, the committee said the decision is “without prejudice to the motion that AMA Group of Companies and Election System and Software will file.”
The consortium of Smartmatic and Total Information Management Corp. is so far the only bidder that has met the requirements set by the Commission on Elections-Special Bids and Awards Committee (Comelec-SBAC) for the P11.3-billion automation contract.
The Comelec-SBAC named the consortium as the bidder “with the single complying calculated bid.”
But in Omnibus SBAC Resolution No. 09-002, the committee said the decision is “without prejudice to the motion that AMA Group of Companies and Election System and Software will file.”
Voting Drops 83 Percent In All-Digital Election - Honolulu News Story - KITV Honolulu
Voting Drops 83 Percent In All-Digital Election - Honolulu News Story - KITV Honolulu:
Officials saw an 83 percent drop in the number of voters participating in the Honolulu Neighborhood Board's recent election that is the nation's first all-digital election, where people could vote over the Internet or by phone.
For the first time, Oahu voters had to use computers or the telephone to vote for their neighborhood board candidates and many people did not bother.
About 7,300 people voted this year, compared to 44,000 people who voted in the last neighborhood board race in 2007.
Officials saw an 83 percent drop in the number of voters participating in the Honolulu Neighborhood Board's recent election that is the nation's first all-digital election, where people could vote over the Internet or by phone.
For the first time, Oahu voters had to use computers or the telephone to vote for their neighborhood board candidates and many people did not bother.
About 7,300 people voted this year, compared to 44,000 people who voted in the last neighborhood board race in 2007.
Honolulu Neighborhood Board online election draws few voters | HonoluluAdvertiser.com | The Honolulu Advertiser
Honolulu Neighborhood Board online election draws few voters | HonoluluAdvertiser.com | The Honolulu Advertiser:
Unfamiliarity with an entirely new voting system is now being cited as one of the chief reasons 'turnout' was so low in what had been hailed by the city and election system vendor Everyone Counts as the first of its kind.
Unfamiliarity with an entirely new voting system is now being cited as one of the chief reasons 'turnout' was so low in what had been hailed by the city and election system vendor Everyone Counts as the first of its kind.
Turnout low for Internet vote - Hawaii News - Starbulletin.com
Turnout low for Internet vote - Hawaii News - Starbulletin.com:
What was billed as a way to increase voter turnout and save money never panned out -- only 7,289 of a potential 115,000 eligible voters cast ballots online or by telephone.
What was billed as a way to increase voter turnout and save money never panned out -- only 7,289 of a potential 115,000 eligible voters cast ballots online or by telephone.
Broadband World: Mapping the global picture - BBC NEWS | Technology |
BBC NEWS | Technology | Broadband World: Mapping the global picture:
More than a billion people around the world are connected to the net, but speed of access ranges from dial-up to fibre optic connections.
Use this map to explore the state of our Broadband World across eight different countries, as explained by BBC correspondents and reporters.
More than a billion people around the world are connected to the net, but speed of access ranges from dial-up to fibre optic connections.
Use this map to explore the state of our Broadband World across eight different countries, as explained by BBC correspondents and reporters.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
MPR: Proposed bill would make voting easier for overseas military
MPR: Proposed bill would make voting easier for overseas military:
St. Paul, Minn. — Minnesota Congressman Erik Paulsen said he's marking the Memorial Day holiday by sponsoring a new measure to make it easier for military members serving overseas to vote.
Paulsen said the so-called 'Military Voter Protection Act' would use the U.S. Postal Service's express mail service to cut the mailing time for overseas military voters to as little as four days.
St. Paul, Minn. — Minnesota Congressman Erik Paulsen said he's marking the Memorial Day holiday by sponsoring a new measure to make it easier for military members serving overseas to vote.
Paulsen said the so-called 'Military Voter Protection Act' would use the U.S. Postal Service's express mail service to cut the mailing time for overseas military voters to as little as four days.
First Nations' election laws highlighted at hearing - Winnipeg Free Press
First Nations' election laws highlighted at hearing - Winnipeg Free Press:
Frustrations over the law governing First Nations elections took centre stage Monday at an open mike session during a Senate committee meeting in Winnipeg focused on the Indian Act.
The Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples will hold its second day of hearings Tuesday on issues surrounding the act, including the current two-year terms of office and the idea of setting fixed election dates.
...
The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs is working on a plan to standardize band elections across the province, including setting term limits. The association hopes standardized elections could help curb election corruption.
Frustrations over the law governing First Nations elections took centre stage Monday at an open mike session during a Senate committee meeting in Winnipeg focused on the Indian Act.
The Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples will hold its second day of hearings Tuesday on issues surrounding the act, including the current two-year terms of office and the idea of setting fixed election dates.
...
The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs is working on a plan to standardize band elections across the province, including setting term limits. The association hopes standardized elections could help curb election corruption.
Europe: Software becomes an election issue - Open source business - ComputerworldUK
Software becomes an election issue - Open source business - ComputerworldUK:
Free and open source software advocates are attempting to use next week’s European elections to further their cause.
The Free Software Pact wants candidates to pledge their support for the principles of free software and for voters to weigh up candidates views on software when making their choice.
So far two UK Green Party candidates, Caroline Lucas and Derek Wall, have joined 107 other candidates from France, Spain, Italy and Belgium in signing the pact.
Free and open source software advocates are attempting to use next week’s European elections to further their cause.
The Free Software Pact wants candidates to pledge their support for the principles of free software and for voters to weigh up candidates views on software when making their choice.
So far two UK Green Party candidates, Caroline Lucas and Derek Wall, have joined 107 other candidates from France, Spain, Italy and Belgium in signing the pact.
Polish Foreign Ministry launches e-voting registration scheme - TheNews.pl :: Poland behind the headlines - news, business, life
Foreign Ministry launches e-voting registration scheme - TheNews.pl :: Poland behind the headlines - news, business, life:
Somewhat belatedly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Poland has launched an electronic voter registration system for the June 7 European parliamentary elections.
According to the ministry's spokesman Piotr Paszkowski the website has been created for people planning to spend polling day abroad.
Somewhat belatedly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Poland has launched an electronic voter registration system for the June 7 European parliamentary elections.
According to the ministry's spokesman Piotr Paszkowski the website has been created for people planning to spend polling day abroad.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Military and Overseas Voting: Obstacles and Potential Solutions - The Committee on House Administration - View Hearings / Meeting
The Committee on House Administration - View Hearings / Meeting:
Military and Overseas Voting: Obstacles and Potential Solutions
Click Here to view the archived hearing webcast. Note: This is a Windows Media file.
Military and Overseas Voting: Obstacles and Potential Solutions
Click Here to view the archived hearing webcast. Note: This is a Windows Media file.
The Associated Press: Honolulu's Internet vote considered 1st in nation
The Associated Press: Honolulu's Internet vote considered 1st in nation:
Voting has ended in what is being touted as the nation's first all-digital election, and city officials say it has been a success.
Some 115,000 voters in Honolulu's neighborhood council election were able to pick winners entirely online or via telephone. The voting, which started May 6, ended Friday.
City officials say the experiment appears to have generated few problems; it has even saved the financially strapped city around $100,000.
Voting has ended in what is being touted as the nation's first all-digital election, and city officials say it has been a success.
Some 115,000 voters in Honolulu's neighborhood council election were able to pick winners entirely online or via telephone. The voting, which started May 6, ended Friday.
City officials say the experiment appears to have generated few problems; it has even saved the financially strapped city around $100,000.
New Puzzles That Tell Humans From Machines | StarNewsOnline.com | Star-News | Wilmington, NC
New Puzzles That Tell Humans From Machines | StarNewsOnline.com | Star-News | Wilmington, NC:
Researchers at Google are testing a new captcha that requires people to turn upright randomly rotated images, like that of a parrot perched temporarily upside-down on a leafy branch. The task is a breeze for people — using a cellphone touchscreen, for example, to flip the image — but hard for machines.
...
Another new approach in the captcha arms race was developed by Luis von Ahn, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University and a pioneer in captcha development. Dr. von Ahn has created a more secure version of audio captchas used by the visually impaired in surfing the Internet with screen readers.
Researchers at Google are testing a new captcha that requires people to turn upright randomly rotated images, like that of a parrot perched temporarily upside-down on a leafy branch. The task is a breeze for people — using a cellphone touchscreen, for example, to flip the image — but hard for machines.
...
Another new approach in the captcha arms race was developed by Luis von Ahn, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University and a pioneer in captcha development. Dr. von Ahn has created a more secure version of audio captchas used by the visually impaired in surfing the Internet with screen readers.
In the new captchas, which Dr. von Ahn said had proved to be more secure in research trials, the audio clips are not of numbers, but of phrases drawn from old radio shows posted on the Internet Archive. They will be easy for people to solve, but tough for automated programs.
Dr. von Ahn has also created a free system, called reCaptcha (recaptcha.net), now used by about 120,000 sites including Ticketmaster, Craigslist, Facebook, Twitter and The New York Times.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Minnesota: Pawlenty vetoes Motor Voter registration bill
Pawlenty vetoes Motor Voter registration bill:
Gov. Tim Pawlenty has vetoed so-called Motor Voter legislation, which would have allowed automatic voter registration for anyone applying for a driver's license or state identification card, unless the applicant opts not to be registered.
Pawlenty, in a letter to Secretary of State Mark Ritchie and legislative leaders, said he rejected the bill Thursday because 'registration to vote should be a voluntary, intentional act.'
Gov. Tim Pawlenty has vetoed so-called Motor Voter legislation, which would have allowed automatic voter registration for anyone applying for a driver's license or state identification card, unless the applicant opts not to be registered.
Pawlenty, in a letter to Secretary of State Mark Ritchie and legislative leaders, said he rejected the bill Thursday because 'registration to vote should be a voluntary, intentional act.'
Project Vote Denounces Minnesota Governor's Veto of 'Motor Voter' Law
Project Vote Denounces Minnesota Governor's Veto of 'Motor Voter' Law:
On Thursday, May 21, Minnesota's Republican governor Tim Pawlenty vetoed the 21st Century Voter Registration Law (HF1053/SF 0660), which would have expanded the popular 'motor voter' law to provide automatic voter registration for any eligible Minnesotans who apply for or renew their driver's licenses, instruction permits, or identification cards. Today Michael Slater, executive director of the voting rights group Project Vote, issued the following statement in response:
"At a time when many states and the United States Congress are considering ways to modernize America's antiquated voter registration system, Governor Pawlenty's veto is a disappointing step backwards forMinnesota voters. In rejecting this important election reform -- despite overwhelming support for the bill from Minnesota's House, Senate, and secretary of state -- Gov. Pawlenty has indicated that he is not interested in making it easier for eligible Minnesotans to register to vote. ..."
On Thursday, May 21, Minnesota's Republican governor Tim Pawlenty vetoed the 21st Century Voter Registration Law (HF1053/SF 0660), which would have expanded the popular 'motor voter' law to provide automatic voter registration for any eligible Minnesotans who apply for or renew their driver's licenses, instruction permits, or identification cards. Today Michael Slater, executive director of the voting rights group Project Vote, issued the following statement in response:
"At a time when many states and the United States Congress are considering ways to modernize America's antiquated voter registration system, Governor Pawlenty's veto is a disappointing step backwards for
Friday, May 22, 2009
MPR: Elections director says instant runoff tallies could take weeks to count
MPR: Elections director says instant runoff tallies could take weeks to count:
Minneapolis — Up until this year, Minneapolis residents have voted for mayor, city council, park board and other municipal offices the old fashioned way. You choose your favorite candidate and vote for him or her. Whoever gets the most votes wins. But that's all going to change.
With instant runoff voting, you can cast your ballot for a first-choice candidate, a second-choice and a third. Counting those ballots is a complicated and time-consuming process; it involves a series of rounds, called runoffs. The city's vote-counting machines will be able to help a little bit, but most of the work has to be done by hand.
Minneapolis — Up until this year, Minneapolis residents have voted for mayor, city council, park board and other municipal offices the old fashioned way. You choose your favorite candidate and vote for him or her. Whoever gets the most votes wins. But that's all going to change.
With instant runoff voting, you can cast your ballot for a first-choice candidate, a second-choice and a third. Counting those ballots is a complicated and time-consuming process; it involves a series of rounds, called runoffs. The city's vote-counting machines will be able to help a little bit, but most of the work has to be done by hand.
Test affirmed ranked-choice voting can work for Minneapolis - if residents are patient
Test affirmed ranked-choice voting can work for Minneapolis - if residents are patient:
A limited mock election showed Minneapolis election officials that ranked-choice voting is doable this fall, but they warned that some race results could be significantly delayed because more hand-counting is usually required.
Election officials estimate they'll need 10 to 20 days to determine winners in all races, Election Director Cindy Reichert told the Minneapolis City Council on Thursday. And that's with counting around the clock.
A limited mock election showed Minneapolis election officials that ranked-choice voting is doable this fall, but they warned that some race results could be significantly delayed because more hand-counting is usually required.
Election officials estimate they'll need 10 to 20 days to determine winners in all races, Election Director Cindy Reichert told the Minneapolis City Council on Thursday. And that's with counting around the clock.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Hawaii - Judge says high-tech voting first needs rules - Mauinews.com | News, Sports, Jobs, Visitor's Information - The Maui News
Judge says high-tech voting first needs rules - Mauinews.com | News, Sports, Jobs, Visitor's Information - The Maui News:
Second Circuit Judge Joseph Cardoza ruled Wednesday that the state Office of Elections cannot use electronic voting machines or transmit election results over the Internet or telephone lines until the new methods have first gone through administrative rule-making.
Second Circuit Judge Joseph Cardoza ruled Wednesday that the state Office of Elections cannot use electronic voting machines or transmit election results over the Internet or telephone lines until the new methods have first gone through administrative rule-making.
Bailing at the ballot box - Ottawa Citizen
Bailing at the ballot box:
It's the only lever of power available to most citizens, yet growing numbers of Canadians can't be bothered to use it, as each successive election demonstrates. Understanding why so many people don't vote, and what it will take to engage them, must be a priority if the trend is reverse itself.
It's the only lever of power available to most citizens, yet growing numbers of Canadians can't be bothered to use it, as each successive election demonstrates. Understanding why so many people don't vote, and what it will take to engage them, must be a priority if the trend is reverse itself.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Provincial Election 2009 | Write-in ballots available to Nova Scotia voters - The Cape Breton Post
The Cape Breton Post: Provincial Election 2009 | Write-in ballots available to Nova Scotia voters:
SYDNEY — Few Nova Scotians vote by write-in ballot but the option is available in the upcoming provincial election.
Elections Nova Scotia’s website says that 2,980 electors voted by write-in ballot in the 2006 general election, compared to 2,782 in 2003.
Dana Doiron, a spokesman for Elections Nova Scotia, said the number represents less than one per cent of ballots cast, compared to federal elections, where the number may be closer to six per cent.
Doiron suggested that until electronic voting becomes a reality in Nova Scotia, which will happen eventually, the popularity of write-in ballots will probably increase.
Elections Nova Scotia has set write-in ballot deadlines of May 27 in person, May 30 by mail and June 6 by agent on each date by 8 p.m.
SYDNEY — Few Nova Scotians vote by write-in ballot but the option is available in the upcoming provincial election.
Elections Nova Scotia’s website says that 2,980 electors voted by write-in ballot in the 2006 general election, compared to 2,782 in 2003.
Dana Doiron, a spokesman for Elections Nova Scotia, said the number represents less than one per cent of ballots cast, compared to federal elections, where the number may be closer to six per cent.
Doiron suggested that until electronic voting becomes a reality in Nova Scotia, which will happen eventually, the popularity of write-in ballots will probably increase.
Elections Nova Scotia has set write-in ballot deadlines of May 27 in person, May 30 by mail and June 6 by agent on each date by 8 p.m.
Voter turnout is now a crisis - Victoria Times Colonist
Voter turnout is now a crisis:
Voter turnout has been dropping for years in British Columbia and many other jurisdictions. But with this election, we broke through a significant barrier, as only 48 per cent of eligible voters took part.
That means, among other things, that only 22 per cent of eligible voters expressed their support for the party that will govern the province for the next four years. That should concern Premier Gordon Campbell as he shapes his plans for this term.
Voter turnout has been dropping for years in British Columbia and many other jurisdictions. But with this election, we broke through a significant barrier, as only 48 per cent of eligible voters took part.
That means, among other things, that only 22 per cent of eligible voters expressed their support for the party that will govern the province for the next four years. That should concern Premier Gordon Campbell as he shapes his plans for this term.
Bill would translate NYC ballots to Russian -- Newsday.com
Bill would translate NYC ballots to Russian -- Newsday.com:
ALBANY, N.Y. - Hundreds of thousands of Russian immigrants in New York City may soon get help in voting, under a bill passed in the Senate on Tuesday.
Republicans accused Democratic sponsors of the bill of trying to drum up Democratic votes in the city, which is seeing a rise in Russian-speaking immigrants.
But Democrats say the measure to provide voting materials, instructions, and voter registration in Russian _ the first new language added in years _ is needed to assure more immigrant citizens are assisted in voting.
The Senate passed the bill with bipartisan support and it's headed to the Democrat-led Assembly, where it has some powerful sponsors.
ALBANY, N.Y. - Hundreds of thousands of Russian immigrants in New York City may soon get help in voting, under a bill passed in the Senate on Tuesday.
Republicans accused Democratic sponsors of the bill of trying to drum up Democratic votes in the city, which is seeing a rise in Russian-speaking immigrants.
But Democrats say the measure to provide voting materials, instructions, and voter registration in Russian _ the first new language added in years _ is needed to assure more immigrant citizens are assisted in voting.
The Senate passed the bill with bipartisan support and it's headed to the Democrat-led Assembly, where it has some powerful sponsors.
Illegal Voting Is Easy :: News :: thetyee.ca
Illegal Voting Is Easy :: News :: thetyee.ca:
Vancouver voting officer saw evidence of non-citizens casting ballots.
On May 13th, the day after the B.C. provincial election, Suzanne Norman, a supervisory voting officer at Armstrong Elementary School, filed an official complaint with Elections BC after learning that several people at the Vancouver polling station where she worked had been registered to vote despite being ineligible.
Vancouver voting officer saw evidence of non-citizens casting ballots.
On May 13th, the day after the B.C. provincial election, Suzanne Norman, a supervisory voting officer at Armstrong Elementary School, filed an official complaint with Elections BC after learning that several people at the Vancouver polling station where she worked had been registered to vote despite being ineligible.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Digital decision making - Hawaii News - Starbulletin.com
Digital decision making - Hawaii News - Starbulletin.com:
Officials hope the system will increase voting in neighborhood board elections.
On a recent day at Honolulu Hale, walk-in voters for neighborhood board elections were scarce, but that wasn't necessarily a bad sign.
"I'm hoping that it's because they're using their own computers at home or getting to the library," said Joan Manke, executive secretary of the Neighborhood Commission Office.
Officials hope the system will increase voting in neighborhood board elections.
On a recent day at Honolulu Hale, walk-in voters for neighborhood board elections were scarce, but that wasn't necessarily a bad sign.
"I'm hoping that it's because they're using their own computers at home or getting to the library," said Joan Manke, executive secretary of the Neighborhood Commission Office.
Whether you are at home or at the mall, typing at a computer terminal in the library or keying into your Blackberry or iPhone, anywhere you can access the Internet is a polling place to vote in this year's neighborhood board races. ...
Technology | Wolfram 'search engine' goes live - BBC NEWS
BBC NEWS | Technology | Wolfram 'search engine' goes live:
A web tool hailed as a significant rival to search giant Google has gone live to the public.
Wolfram Alpha is called a computation knowledge engine rather than a search engine and wants to change the way people use online data.
A web tool hailed as a significant rival to search giant Google has gone live to the public.
Wolfram Alpha is called a computation knowledge engine rather than a search engine and wants to change the way people use online data.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Alabama - Military voting bill dies on final night of session; Chapman says politics killed it - al.com
Military voting bill dies on final night of session; Chapman says politics killed it - al.com:
MONTGOMERY - Legislation aimed at helping soldiers overseas vote electronically in elections died Friday after the Senate added an unrelated provision to prohibit a federal campaign from giving to a state race.
Secretary of State Beth Chapman said 'political games' killed the bill.
MONTGOMERY - Legislation aimed at helping soldiers overseas vote electronically in elections died Friday after the Senate added an unrelated provision to prohibit a federal campaign from giving to a state race.
Secretary of State Beth Chapman said 'political games' killed the bill.
Friday, May 15, 2009
BC: Low voter turnout endangers political system: Ruff :: The Hook
Low voter turnout endangers political system: Ruff :: The Hook:
VICTORIA - As voter turnout drops the political system will likely be seen as less legitimate, said a veteran political scientist after the British Columbia election results showed a minority of eligible voters cast ballots.
“When you start to get below 50 percent turnout you have to worry about the legitimacy of the political system,” said Norman Ruff, a political scientist who taught at the University of Victoria. “We're heading there.”
VICTORIA - As voter turnout drops the political system will likely be seen as less legitimate, said a veteran political scientist after the British Columbia election results showed a minority of eligible voters cast ballots.
“When you start to get below 50 percent turnout you have to worry about the legitimacy of the political system,” said Norman Ruff, a political scientist who taught at the University of Victoria. “We're heading there.”
Complexity does not sell voting systems - Calgary Herald
Complexity does not sell voting systems:
W hatever the merits of B. C.'s rejected plan to reform the way it elects MLAs and stimulate voter participation, it had one fatal flaw.
Unlike the status quo--the candidate with the most votes wins--Single Transferable Vote cannot be fully understood in 10 seconds. This is not to suggest that something that's easy to explain is necessarily best.
But for political science professors, policy wonks, and earnest citizens who take their civic duties seriously enough to figure it out, complexity is not a problem. For citizens whose daily bread is not politics, it is.
W hatever the merits of B. C.'s rejected plan to reform the way it elects MLAs and stimulate voter participation, it had one fatal flaw.
Unlike the status quo--the candidate with the most votes wins--Single Transferable Vote cannot be fully understood in 10 seconds. This is not to suggest that something that's easy to explain is necessarily best.
But for political science professors, policy wonks, and earnest citizens who take their civic duties seriously enough to figure it out, complexity is not a problem. For citizens whose daily bread is not politics, it is.
Minnesota: Supreme Court probes the constitutionality of ranked-choice voting
Supreme Court probes the constitutionality of ranked-choice voting:
The legal showdown over whether Minneapolis can go ahead with ranked-choice voting for city elections this fall reached the Minnesota Supreme Court on Wednesday.
Justices signaled that although they find the vote-counting method confusing, especially for multiple-seat elections, they're not sure there's a constitutional flaw in the law. They pressed the law's challengers repeatedly on that point.
Ranked-choice voting -- known in some jurisdictions as instant runoff voting -- was approved handily by voters in 2006.
The legal showdown over whether Minneapolis can go ahead with ranked-choice voting for city elections this fall reached the Minnesota Supreme Court on Wednesday.
Justices signaled that although they find the vote-counting method confusing, especially for multiple-seat elections, they're not sure there's a constitutional flaw in the law. They pressed the law's challengers repeatedly on that point.
Ranked-choice voting -- known in some jurisdictions as instant runoff voting -- was approved handily by voters in 2006.
Aaron Contorer: America's Newest State Holds America's Newest Election - Huffington Post
Aaron Contorer: America's Newest State Holds America's Newest Election:
"Right now, as you read this article on the Internet, citizens of Honolulu are voting in America's first all-digital online and telephone election. Residents of neighborhoods with contested board seats received pass-codes in the mail, along with a Web address and a phone number allowing them to vote at any time, day or night, from anywhere in the world."
"Right now, as you read this article on the Internet, citizens of Honolulu are voting in America's first all-digital online and telephone election. Residents of neighborhoods with contested board seats received pass-codes in the mail, along with a Web address and a phone number allowing them to vote at any time, day or night, from anywhere in the world."
India sees its least violent elections
India sees its least violent elections:
The curtain has come down on the 2009 Lok Sabha elections which is considered the least violent in recent times. While over 20 people were killed in election-related violence this time, the figure was 48 in the 2004 general elections, and nearly 100 in 1999.
The curtain has come down on the 2009 Lok Sabha elections which is considered the least violent in recent times. While over 20 people were killed in election-related violence this time, the figure was 48 in the 2004 general elections, and nearly 100 in 1999.
Provisional figures available with the Election Commission (EC) suggest that levels of repolling — directly related to election violence — have also reduced with 648 polling stations across the country had repolls/adjourned polls of which 117 booths were in Manipur alone.
EC officials attribute low levels of violence to two factors: the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs); and the judicious use of paramilitary and police forces to enable the conduct of the elections.
Oahu Hosts World's First All-Digital Election - Honolulu News Story - KITV Honolulu
Oahu Hosts World's First All-Digital Election - Honolulu News Story - KITV Honolulu:
Oahu's neighborhood board election is making history because it is the world's first election being conducted entirely on the Internet and by telephone.
Instead of mail-in ballots, voters can use computers to choose their neighborhood board candidates this year. It is the world's first all-digital election, with technology provided by the San Diego-based company Everyone Counts.
Oahu's neighborhood board election is making history because it is the world's first election being conducted entirely on the Internet and by telephone.
Instead of mail-in ballots, voters can use computers to choose their neighborhood board candidates this year. It is the world's first all-digital election, with technology provided by the San Diego-based company Everyone Counts.
Poll officials fail to reach Zanskar on time | World Latest News - fast and latest news
Poll officials fail to reach Zanskar on time | World Latest News - fast and latest news:
New Delhi, May 13, The difficult terrain made it impossible for a 12-member team of elections officials to reach in time the snow-covered Zanskar region in Jammu and Kashmir to conduct voting Wednesday.
But the determined election officials Wednesday early morning began an arduous trek up the Himalayas. As they would reach the two polling stations in the region by Thursday night, the Election Commission said in a statement here that polling will be held there Friday. ...
[this is one of numerous unusual anecdotes from the Indian parliamentary elections]
New Delhi, May 13, The difficult terrain made it impossible for a 12-member team of elections officials to reach in time the snow-covered Zanskar region in Jammu and Kashmir to conduct voting Wednesday.
But the determined election officials Wednesday early morning began an arduous trek up the Himalayas. As they would reach the two polling stations in the region by Thursday night, the Election Commission said in a statement here that polling will be held there Friday. ...
[this is one of numerous unusual anecdotes from the Indian parliamentary elections]
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Birmingham signs up to online petitions | Kable
Birmingham signs up to online petitions | Kable:
Birmingham City Council is to introduce e-petitions to encourage citizens to have their say about local issues
The council plans to introduce online petitions later in May on its website, so that petitioners can add their views and upload external documents and images as supporting information. They will also be able to follow the progress of their petition through its life cycle using a timeline function.
Birmingham City Council is to introduce e-petitions to encourage citizens to have their say about local issues
The council plans to introduce online petitions later in May on its website, so that petitioners can add their views and upload external documents and images as supporting information. They will also be able to follow the progress of their petition through its life cycle using a timeline function.
Voter turnout at an all-time low - globeandmail.com
globeandmail.com: Voter turnout at an all-time low:
In Tuesday's trek to the polls in British Columbia, turnout among eligible voters plummeted 10 percentage points from the 2005 election to the lowest balloting response to a B.C. election since records were first kept in 1928.
Among those able to vote, barely more than 52 per cent bothered, giving B.C. the dubious distinction of having the second most apathetic electorate in Canada (after Alberta). It was a far cry from the province's feverish political landscape of the 1980s, when turnouts regularly soared over 75 per cent.
In Tuesday's trek to the polls in British Columbia, turnout among eligible voters plummeted 10 percentage points from the 2005 election to the lowest balloting response to a B.C. election since records were first kept in 1928.
Among those able to vote, barely more than 52 per cent bothered, giving B.C. the dubious distinction of having the second most apathetic electorate in Canada (after Alberta). It was a far cry from the province's feverish political landscape of the 1980s, when turnouts regularly soared over 75 per cent.
Back to the drawing board for electoral reform backers - National Post
Back to the drawing board for electoral reform backers:
This week's referendum on electoral reform in British Columbia effectively sounded the death knell for the single transferable vote (STV) proposal, a now twice-rejected system whereby voters would rank candidates on their ballot in order of preference and seats would go to those with the highest overall rating.
Voters soundly defeated the proposal in Tuesday's referendum, with only about 39% of residents voting in favour of STV -- significantly short of the 60% required for the proposal to pass.
This week's referendum on electoral reform in British Columbia effectively sounded the death knell for the single transferable vote (STV) proposal, a now twice-rejected system whereby voters would rank candidates on their ballot in order of preference and seats would go to those with the highest overall rating.
Voters soundly defeated the proposal in Tuesday's referendum, with only about 39% of residents voting in favour of STV -- significantly short of the 60% required for the proposal to pass.
The waning of electoral reform - globeandmail.com
globeandmail.com: The waning of electoral reform:
The clear defeat of the British Columbian single-transferable-vote proposal in the referendum that accompanied Tuesday's election has probably put an end to the proportional-representation movement in Canada, at any rate for a few decades
The clear defeat of the British Columbian single-transferable-vote proposal in the referendum that accompanied Tuesday's election has probably put an end to the proportional-representation movement in Canada, at any rate for a few decades
Report: One-fourth of overseas votes go uncounted - The Associated Press
The Associated Press: Report: One-fourth of overseas votes go uncounted:
One out of every four ballots requested by military personnel and other Americans living overseas for the 2008 election may have gone uncounted, according to findings being released at a Senate hearing Wednesday.
Sen. Charles Schumer, chairman of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee, said the study, while providing only a snapshot of voting patterns, "is enough to show that the balloting process for service members is clearly in need of an overhaul."
One out of every four ballots requested by military personnel and other Americans living overseas for the 2008 election may have gone uncounted, according to findings being released at a Senate hearing Wednesday.
Sen. Charles Schumer, chairman of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee, said the study, while providing only a snapshot of voting patterns, "is enough to show that the balloting process for service members is clearly in need of an overhaul."
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Editorial - Counting Votes, Kremlin Style - NYTimes.com
Editorial - Counting Votes, Kremlin Style - NYTimes.com:
It’s hard to prove election fraud when the federal government, the election commission, the secret police, the courts and the media are working together. But let’s say for argument’s sake there were some irregularities in the Sochi mayoral race in Russia, where the man anointed by the Kremlin to win, Anatoly Pakhomov, did so with 77 percent of the vote.
It’s hard to prove election fraud when the federal government, the election commission, the secret police, the courts and the media are working together. But let’s say for argument’s sake there were some irregularities in the Sochi mayoral race in Russia, where the man anointed by the Kremlin to win, Anatoly Pakhomov, did so with 77 percent of the vote.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Indonesia - 80 Percent of Overseas Voters Did Not Vote in Legislative Polls - Jakarta Globe
Jakarta Globe:
The General Elections Commission (KPU) on Thursday announced the results of overseas voting, revealing a large number of registered voters shied away from polling stations during the legislative elections.
According to KPU data, only 329,161 out of 1.5 million registered overseas voters actually exercised their constitutional right. This means almost 80 percent of the eligible voters did not cast their vote. Of the people who did actually vote, 25,279 had their ballots declared invalid.
The General Elections Commission (KPU) on Thursday announced the results of overseas voting, revealing a large number of registered voters shied away from polling stations during the legislative elections.
According to KPU data, only 329,161 out of 1.5 million registered overseas voters actually exercised their constitutional right. This means almost 80 percent of the eligible voters did not cast their vote. Of the people who did actually vote, 25,279 had their ballots declared invalid.
ACORN workers charged with forging voter registrations
ACORN workers charged with forging voter registrations:
Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala Jr. today charged seven employees of ACORN -- the left-leaning Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now -- with forgery and election law violations, saying they filed hundreds of fraudulent voter registrations during last year's general election.
Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala Jr. today charged seven employees of ACORN -- the left-leaning Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now -- with forgery and election law violations, saying they filed hundreds of fraudulent voter registrations during last year's general election.
Colorado and Indiana Legislatures Pass Internet Voter Registration Bills | Progressive States Network
Colorado and Indiana Legislatures Pass Internet Voter Registration Bills | Progressive States Network:
In the final week of their legislative sessions, the Colorado and Indiana legislatures gave final approval to bills allowing residents to register to vote online. Colorado Senators passed HB 1160 and Indiana House Members passed HB 1346; both bills allow residents with driver's licenses or state-issued ID cards to register to vote online.
In the final week of their legislative sessions, the Colorado and Indiana legislatures gave final approval to bills allowing residents to register to vote online. Colorado Senators passed HB 1160 and Indiana House Members passed HB 1346; both bills allow residents with driver's licenses or state-issued ID cards to register to vote online.
A vote that really counts - Andrew Coyne Opinion - Macleans.ca
A vote that really counts - Andrew Coyne Opinion - Macleans.ca:
"Dear British Columbia:
I know you’re kind of busy right now, and maybe it’s not my place, being from another province and all, but could I just ask you, on behalf of the rest of the country, to please vote Yes in the May 12 electoral reform referendum? I wouldn’t intrude, except it’s terribly important—important not just for B.C., but for all of us.
Because politics is broken in Canada, and electoral reform—changing the way we vote—may just be the key to fixing it."
"Dear British Columbia:
I know you’re kind of busy right now, and maybe it’s not my place, being from another province and all, but could I just ask you, on behalf of the rest of the country, to please vote Yes in the May 12 electoral reform referendum? I wouldn’t intrude, except it’s terribly important—important not just for B.C., but for all of us.
Because politics is broken in Canada, and electoral reform—changing the way we vote—may just be the key to fixing it."
BC - Advance voting stations see big jump this year
Advance voting stations see big jump this year:
The number of British Columbians who voted on the first day of advance polling jumped 53.1% over the same day in 2005 and is approaching three times the turnout from 2001.
A total of 83,676 eligible voters came out to cast a ballot Wednesday, compared to the 54,497 who turned out the first day of advance polls in 2005. In 2001, only 31,182 people came out to vote on that day.
The number of British Columbians who voted on the first day of advance polling jumped 53.1% over the same day in 2005 and is approaching three times the turnout from 2001.
A total of 83,676 eligible voters came out to cast a ballot Wednesday, compared to the 54,497 who turned out the first day of advance polls in 2005. In 2001, only 31,182 people came out to vote on that day.
Vote date ignores students again, says association - Nova Scotia News - TheChronicleHerald.ca
Vote date ignores students again, says association - Nova Scotia News - TheChronicleHerald.ca:
Nova Scotians, once again, are voting at a time when thousands of students might not be able to cast their ballots, says the executive director of an association that represents more than 40,000 university students.
Nova Scotians, once again, are voting at a time when thousands of students might not be able to cast their ballots, says the executive director of an association that represents more than 40,000 university students.
Electronic voting - Free software and transparency are not enough - The H Open Source: News and Features
Electronic voting - Free software and transparency are not enough - The H Open Source: News and Features:
"Many advocates for the application of computer technology to the vote have come to the conclusion that free and open source software offers a cure for these kinds of problems, because the simple expedient of making the code visible enables scrutiny and transparency, and facilitates the exposure and removal of bugs.
There are free and open source voting systems that present a viable alternative to the proprietary model. VoteBox is under development at Rice University, and the Open Voting Consortium demonstrated their model at LinuxWorld last year. "
[This article goes on to argue that Open Software is not enough to ensure the integrity of the electronic vote.]
"Many advocates for the application of computer technology to the vote have come to the conclusion that free and open source software offers a cure for these kinds of problems, because the simple expedient of making the code visible enables scrutiny and transparency, and facilitates the exposure and removal of bugs.
There are free and open source voting systems that present a viable alternative to the proprietary model. VoteBox is under development at Rice University, and the Open Voting Consortium demonstrated their model at LinuxWorld last year. "
[This article goes on to argue that Open Software is not enough to ensure the integrity of the electronic vote.]
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Democracy 250 | News and Announcements
Democracy 250 released their reports today that addresses the fundamental issue of voter apathy among young people. Two reports, one of which outlines the events surrounding the D250 initiative and the other titled ‘Is Anybody Listening’ addresses the issue first hand. The first page of the report blasts a staggering statistic:
Seventy-five percent of youth
between 18 and 25 years of age
didn’t vote
in the 2006 Federal Election
We are used to seeing low turnout at the municipal level, but typically the federal election tends to draw a bit of a crowd. Although it was clear that the recommendations of the report focused more on how to engage young people in politics, there was one portion of the report that recommended E-Voting as a means to engage young people.
Accelerate E-voting, beginning with a pilot program on university and college campuses. Youth have repeatedly said that voting online would encourage them to cast their ballots. Many youth expressed frustration that this system does not currently exist and that the current method of voting is outdated, time consuming and frustrating. Implementing a pilot project on campuses will not only build enthusiasm and capture young people’s attention, but also make young people feel that they are part of the democratic process.
The report is available online at the following link.
Philippines - Comelec thumbs down all 7 bidders | ABS-CBN News Online Beta
Comelec thumbs down all 7 bidders | ABS-CBN News Online Beta:
The Special Bids and Awards Committee (SBAC) of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has disqualified all seven consortia that submitted bids to automate the May 2010 polls, an ominous sign that the P11.3 billion project could be sidelined.
The Special Bids and Awards Committee (SBAC) of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has disqualified all seven consortia that submitted bids to automate the May 2010 polls, an ominous sign that the P11.3 billion project could be sidelined.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Detroit gets new mayor on 15 percent voter turnout - WTOL.com, Toledo's News Leader, News 11 |
Detroit gets new mayor on 15 percent voter turnout - WTOL.com, Toledo's News Leader, News 11 |:
Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey says she's not pleased that only about 15 percent of the city's registered voters participated in a special election to pick Detroit's next mayor.
Detroiters on Tuesday elected basketball legend Dave Bing as their mayor, sweeping incumbent Ken Cockrel Jr. from office. Winfrey had predicted before the election that about 15- to 20-percent of the city's registered voters would vote.
In all, 95,477 ballots were cast in an election that included the mayor's race and a proposal to revise the city charter. The proposal passed overwhelmingly.
Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey says she's not pleased that only about 15 percent of the city's registered voters participated in a special election to pick Detroit's next mayor.
Detroiters on Tuesday elected basketball legend Dave Bing as their mayor, sweeping incumbent Ken Cockrel Jr. from office. Winfrey had predicted before the election that about 15- to 20-percent of the city's registered voters would vote.
In all, 95,477 ballots were cast in an election that included the mayor's race and a proposal to revise the city charter. The proposal passed overwhelmingly.
Voting System Splits Views in British Columbia: Angus Reid Global Monitor
Voting System Splits Views in British Columbia: Angus Reid Global Monitor:
Adults in British Columbia are divided on a proposal to change the way they elect their provincial legislators, according to a poll by Angus Reid Strategies. 53 per cent of respondents would switch to the single transferable vote electoral system, while 47 per cent would retain the existing first-past-the-post system.
Adults in British Columbia are divided on a proposal to change the way they elect their provincial legislators, according to a poll by Angus Reid Strategies. 53 per cent of respondents would switch to the single transferable vote electoral system, while 47 per cent would retain the existing first-past-the-post system.
Metro - Lawyer to probe memberships paid for by Sask leadership candidate campaign
Metro - Lawyer to probe memberships paid for by Sask leadership candidate campaign:
REGINA - Saskatchewan New Democrats have asked a lawyer to look into a membership kerfuffle involving a leadership campaign.
NDP provincial secretary Deb McDonald says lawyer Robert Hale will review how Dwain Lingenfelter's campaign bought 1,100 party memberships for people without their knowledge. Lingenfelter has said an overzealous volunteer signed up people who had not been interviewed about joining the party.
REGINA - Saskatchewan New Democrats have asked a lawyer to look into a membership kerfuffle involving a leadership campaign.
NDP provincial secretary Deb McDonald says lawyer Robert Hale will review how Dwain Lingenfelter's campaign bought 1,100 party memberships for people without their knowledge. Lingenfelter has said an overzealous volunteer signed up people who had not been interviewed about joining the party.
New-age voting idea meets old-time politics in Illinois - STLtoday.com
05/06/2009 - New-age voting idea meets old-time politics in Illinois - STLtoday.com:
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State lawmakers here are pondering an Internet voting system that could have some Illinoisans casting their 2012 election ballots from their living rooms.
But that high-tech issue was joined Tuesday by some old-school partisan politics, as ruling Democrats moved to pack the panel that would foster the new system.
The state Senate Elections Committee passed a measure to set up a six-member board that will study if and how Illinois could implement Internet voting in the 2012 elections.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State lawmakers here are pondering an Internet voting system that could have some Illinoisans casting their 2012 election ballots from their living rooms.
But that high-tech issue was joined Tuesday by some old-school partisan politics, as ruling Democrats moved to pack the panel that would foster the new system.
The state Senate Elections Committee passed a measure to set up a six-member board that will study if and how Illinois could implement Internet voting in the 2012 elections.
Electronic elections? - Buenos Aires Herald
Buenos Aires Herald:
Electronic elections?
... The switch would obviously cost money in the short term although save it in the long term (the paper alone for the June ballots will cost 13 million pesos) and therein lies the rub with the chronic dearth of long-range planning in this country. But the escalating cost of elections should give this change some urgency — this midterm voting for less than half the total Congress seats will cost a quarter billion pesos as against 200 million pesos for the general elections of 2007.
Electronic elections?
... The switch would obviously cost money in the short term although save it in the long term (the paper alone for the June ballots will cost 13 million pesos) and therein lies the rub with the chronic dearth of long-range planning in this country. But the escalating cost of elections should give this change some urgency — this midterm voting for less than half the total Congress seats will cost a quarter billion pesos as against 200 million pesos for the general elections of 2007.
Philippines - Comelec worried as more bidders disqualified | ABS-CBN News Online Beta
Comelec worried as more bidders disqualified | ABS-CBN News Online Beta:
Poll officials are getting “jittery’ over the successive disqualification of companies that bid for the automation of the May 2010 polls, as only one, out of the seven, remains in the running.
Poll officials are getting “jittery’ over the successive disqualification of companies that bid for the automation of the May 2010 polls, as only one, out of the seven, remains in the running.
The special bids and awards committee (SBAC) of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), as of posting, had declared six consortiums ineligible to bid. They failed due to different reasons.
The latest casualties were Syrex Inc., and AMA Group of Companies/Election Systems and Software (ES&S).
Syrex, a Filipino firm, failed to submit its Securities and Exchange Commission registration, while Filipino firm AMA and its US partner ES&S failed to present an export and import license.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Acorn Charged in Voter Registration Fraud Case in Nevada - NYTimes.com
Acorn Charged in Voter Registration Fraud Case in Nevada - NYTimes.com:
LAS VEGAS — A prominent antipoverty organization that drew criticism from Republicans during last year’s presidential race was charged by Nevada officials Monday with engaging in voter registration fraud.
LAS VEGAS — A prominent antipoverty organization that drew criticism from Republicans during last year’s presidential race was charged by Nevada officials Monday with engaging in voter registration fraud.
Ore. committee approves fax voting for military - KTVZ.com Central Oregons News, Weather and Sports Leader -
Ore. committee approves fax voting for military - KTVZ.com Central Oregons News, Weather and Sports Leader -:
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - An Oregon House panel advanced a bill that would allow military and overseas voters to submit ballots by fax.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - An Oregon House panel advanced a bill that would allow military and overseas voters to submit ballots by fax.
An overview of the Nova Scotia election campaign - The Canadian Press
The Canadian Press: An overview of the Nova Scotia election campaign:
Facts about the 35-day Nova Scotia election, which will be held on June 9:
Major parties: Progressive Conservatives, Liberals and New Democrats.
Leaders: Premier Rodney MacDonald (Conservative), Stephen McNeil (Liberal), Darrell Dexter (NDP).
Ridings: 52.
Standings at dissolution: Conservatives, 21; NDP, 20; Liberals, 9; Independent, 1; Vacancies, 1.
Main campaign issues: The economy, leadership, taxes, the NDP's readiness to govern.
Most recent general election: June 13, 2006.
Number of eligible voters in 2006: 678,036.
Facts about the 35-day Nova Scotia election, which will be held on June 9:
Major parties: Progressive Conservatives, Liberals and New Democrats.
Leaders: Premier Rodney MacDonald (Conservative), Stephen McNeil (Liberal), Darrell Dexter (NDP).
Ridings: 52.
Standings at dissolution: Conservatives, 21; NDP, 20; Liberals, 9; Independent, 1; Vacancies, 1.
Main campaign issues: The economy, leadership, taxes, the NDP's readiness to govern.
Most recent general election: June 13, 2006.
Number of eligible voters in 2006: 678,036.
'Lonely hamburger' to tempt Estonians in e-voting test - AFP
AFP: 'Lonely hamburger' to tempt Estonians in e-voting test:
TALLINN (AFP) — Estonians are to have their taste buds tickled by an e-voting test for European parliamentary elections offering them joke candidates such as the lonely hamburger and tiramisu.
Bidding to spice up the lacklustre campaign for June 4-7 elections to the European Parliament, organisers hope such fare will encourage young Estonians to participate in the new high-tech voting system.
Estonia's electoral committee hopes the test poll, which will be available on the www.valimised.ee webpage from May 28 to June 3, will also iron out any glitches in the new online voting system.
TALLINN (AFP) — Estonians are to have their taste buds tickled by an e-voting test for European parliamentary elections offering them joke candidates such as the lonely hamburger and tiramisu.
Bidding to spice up the lacklustre campaign for June 4-7 elections to the European Parliament, organisers hope such fare will encourage young Estonians to participate in the new high-tech voting system.
Estonia's electoral committee hopes the test poll, which will be available on the www.valimised.ee webpage from May 28 to June 3, will also iron out any glitches in the new online voting system.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Votenet Solutions Introduces Online Voting Carbon Footprint Calculator
Votenet Solutions Introduces Online Voting Carbon Footprint Calculator:
Washington, DC (PRWEB) May 4, 2009 -- Votenet™ Solutions, Inc., the leading provider of secure online voting and nomination solutions for associations, corporations, law firms, non-profits, universities and organizations, announced today their Online Voting Carbon Footprint Calculator that enables organizations to determine the amount of environmentally harmful carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions that could be saved by using online voting instead of paper ballots.
The Online Voting Carbon Footprint Calculator can be accessed at http://www.votenet.com/treecampaign/carbon_calculator.cfm
Washington, DC (PRWEB) May 4, 2009 -- Votenet™ Solutions, Inc., the leading provider of secure online voting and nomination solutions for associations, corporations, law firms, non-profits, universities and organizations, announced today their Online Voting Carbon Footprint Calculator that enables organizations to determine the amount of environmentally harmful carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions that could be saved by using online voting instead of paper ballots.
The Online Voting Carbon Footprint Calculator can be accessed at http://www.votenet.com/treecampaign/carbon_calculator.cfm
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Liberals adopt one-member, one-vote election system :: The Hook
Liberals adopt one-member, one-vote election system :: The Hook:
The Liberal Party of Canada will elect future leaders based on a one-member, one-vote election process.
An amendment to the party’s constitution was overwhelmingly approved this morning by party delegates at the Liberal Convention in Vancouver, with supporters calling it a more democratic process.
The Liberal Party of Canada will elect future leaders based on a one-member, one-vote election process.
An amendment to the party’s constitution was overwhelmingly approved this morning by party delegates at the Liberal Convention in Vancouver, with supporters calling it a more democratic process.
Liberal members to vote on future leaders - TheStar.com | Canada |
TheStar.com | Canada | Liberal members to vote on future leaders:
VANCOUVER – Federal Liberals have opted to let grassroots members pick the leader in future, spurred on by Bob Rae who said the party is not a 'private club.'
Delegates to the federal Liberal convention yesterday adopted a weighted one-member, one-vote leadership selection, moving away from delegated conventions.
VANCOUVER – Federal Liberals have opted to let grassroots members pick the leader in future, spurred on by Bob Rae who said the party is not a 'private club.'
Delegates to the federal Liberal convention yesterday adopted a weighted one-member, one-vote leadership selection, moving away from delegated conventions.
Wolfram Alpha
An invention that could change the internet for ever - News, Gadgets & Tech - The Independent:
"The biggest internet revolution for a generation will be unveiled this month with the launch of software that will understand questions and give specific, tailored answers in a way that the web has never managed before."
"The biggest internet revolution for a generation will be unveiled this month with the launch of software that will understand questions and give specific, tailored answers in a way that the web has never managed before."
The new system, Wolfram Alpha, showcased at Harvard University in the US last week, takes the first step towards what many consider to be the internet's Holy Grail – a global store of information that understands and responds to ordinary language in the same way a person does.
Although the system is still new, it has already produced massive interest and excitement among technology pundits and internet watchers.
Computer experts believe the new search engine will be an evolutionary leap in the development of the internet. Nova Spivack, an internet and computer expert, said that Wolfram Alpha could prove just as important as Google. "It is really impressive and significant," he wrote. "In fact it may be as important for the web (and the world) as Google, but for a different purpose.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Six jailed for postal vote fraud over rigged election in Slough - Times Online
Six jailed for postal vote fraud over rigged election in Slough - Times Online:
The toughest sentence for postal-vote rigging was handed down yesterday as six men were jailed for using ghost voters to help the Conservatives to win a local election.
The rigged poll in Slough in May 2007 highlighted how easy the introduction of postal-voting-on-demand has made it to steal elections.
The toughest sentence for postal-vote rigging was handed down yesterday as six men were jailed for using ghost voters to help the Conservatives to win a local election.
The rigged poll in Slough in May 2007 highlighted how easy the introduction of postal-voting-on-demand has made it to steal elections.
How BC-STV Works - Agassiz-Harrison Observer
Agassiz-Harrison Observer - A new voting system: How it works:
In 2004, the BC legislature with all-party consent unanimously created a Citizens’ Assembly consisting of one woman and one man from each constituency to recommend to British Columbians whether to keep our voting system, or accept a new way of electing MLAs.
In the 2005 referendum, almost 58 percent of British Columbians accepted the assembly’s recommendation. It was an impressive majority; not enough to make it law, but too close to ignore. Now, we get to do it again, on 12 May. It requires 60 per cent to pass into law.
The assembly selected the single transferable vote, adapted it to our provincial needs and called it BC-STV. It joins existing ridings into multi-seat ridings consisting of two to seven seats. Within those larger ridings groups of like-minded voters will elect one MLA as their representative.
In 2004, the BC legislature with all-party consent unanimously created a Citizens’ Assembly consisting of one woman and one man from each constituency to recommend to British Columbians whether to keep our voting system, or accept a new way of electing MLAs.
In the 2005 referendum, almost 58 percent of British Columbians accepted the assembly’s recommendation. It was an impressive majority; not enough to make it law, but too close to ignore. Now, we get to do it again, on 12 May. It requires 60 per cent to pass into law.
The assembly selected the single transferable vote, adapted it to our provincial needs and called it BC-STV. It joins existing ridings into multi-seat ridings consisting of two to seven seats. Within those larger ridings groups of like-minded voters will elect one MLA as their representative.
Voting Reform Advances in California Legislature | New America Blogs
Voting Reform Advances in California Legislature | New America Blogs:
On April 21, the California Assembly Elections and Redistricting Committee passed AB 1121, a bill authorizing a limited number of general law cities and counties the option of using ranked voting systems, such as Instant Runoff Voting.
AB 1121 would establish a pilot program, allowing a total of 10 cities and counties to use ranked voting as part of this limited authorization. Municipalities could participate in the pilot program by action of their governing body. In order to use ranked voting, these cities or counties would also need to obtain the approval of their voters.
On April 21, the California Assembly Elections and Redistricting Committee passed AB 1121, a bill authorizing a limited number of general law cities and counties the option of using ranked voting systems, such as Instant Runoff Voting.
AB 1121 would establish a pilot program, allowing a total of 10 cities and counties to use ranked voting as part of this limited authorization. Municipalities could participate in the pilot program by action of their governing body. In order to use ranked voting, these cities or counties would also need to obtain the approval of their voters.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Phillippines - Campaign for overseas voters in full gear | ABS-CBN News Online Beta
Campaign for overseas voters in full gear | ABS-CBN News Online Beta:
In four months, the registration of overseas absentee voters (OAV) will close. The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is targeting one million registered OAV for the 2010 elections. But will they reach that target?
In four months, the registration of overseas absentee voters (OAV) will close. The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is targeting one million registered OAV for the 2010 elections. But will they reach that target?
Votenet Solutions Offsets Environmental Impact While Reducing Carbon Emissions and Waste
Votenet Solutions Offsets Environmental Impact While Reducing Carbon Emissions and Waste:
Washington, DC (PRWEB) May 1, 2009 -- Votenet™ Solutions, Inc., the leading provider of secure online voting and nomination solutions for associations, corporations, law firms, non-profits, universities and organizations, announced today significant proactive measures to decrease the amount of carbon dioxide emissions used to operate the company and take responsibility for the environmental impact the company has.
Washington, DC (PRWEB) May 1, 2009 -- Votenet™ Solutions, Inc., the leading provider of secure online voting and nomination solutions for associations, corporations, law firms, non-profits, universities and organizations, announced today significant proactive measures to decrease the amount of carbon dioxide emissions used to operate the company and take responsibility for the environmental impact the company has.
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