Va. Elections Board investigates group's access to voter list - washingtonpost.com:
A day after a nonprofit group canceled a mailing designed to get out the vote, the Virginia State Board of Elections is investigating whether the organization illegally obtained access to a closely controlled registration list that includes voter histories.
...
Under Virginia law, the Board of Elections can furnish lists of voters only to the courts, the Department of Motor Vehicles, bona fide political candidates, political parties, political action committees and nonprofit groups that promote voter education or registration. The law further restricts access to voting histories, prohibiting the Board of Elections from giving the histories to anyone except candidates, elected officials or political party chairmen. Those who do obtain the lists are also required to sign a statement, under penalty of perjury, promising not to disseminate the information to those not authorized to have it.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
The Associated Press: Military ballot law has states in a time squeeze
The Associated Press: Military ballot law has states in a time squeeze:
A new law meant to protect the voting rights of deployed troops and other Americans overseas is forcing at least a dozen states to consider holding their primaries earlier or to negotiate another plan that federal officials will accept.
Ballots must be sent to certain voters at least 45 days before an election under a requirement included in a major defense bill signed Wednesday by President Barack Obama. It leaves states with 2010 primaries in August and September in a pickle because the deadline for distributing November ballots will pass by the time many certify the results of the primary.
"You can't print a ballot until you know who won," said Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie, who is urging his state's lawmakers to shift the Sept. 14 primary by at least a month. "And you can't print ballots in five seconds. It takes several days to print a ballot. Then you have to put them in the mail."
A new law meant to protect the voting rights of deployed troops and other Americans overseas is forcing at least a dozen states to consider holding their primaries earlier or to negotiate another plan that federal officials will accept.
Ballots must be sent to certain voters at least 45 days before an election under a requirement included in a major defense bill signed Wednesday by President Barack Obama. It leaves states with 2010 primaries in August and September in a pickle because the deadline for distributing November ballots will pass by the time many certify the results of the primary.
"You can't print a ballot until you know who won," said Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie, who is urging his state's lawmakers to shift the Sept. 14 primary by at least a month. "And you can't print ballots in five seconds. It takes several days to print a ballot. Then you have to put them in the mail."
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
In Industry First, Voting Machine Company to Publish Source Code | Threat Level | Wired.com
In Industry First, Voting Machine Company to Publish Source Code | Threat Level | Wired.com:
Sequoia Voting Systems plans to publicly release the source code for its new optical scan voting system, the company announced Tuesday — a remarkable reversal for a voting machine maker long criticized for resisting public examination of its proprietary systems.
Sequoia Voting Systems plans to publicly release the source code for its new optical scan voting system, the company announced Tuesday — a remarkable reversal for a voting machine maker long criticized for resisting public examination of its proprietary systems.
The company’s new public source optical-scan voting system, called Frontier Election System, will be submitted for federal certification and testing in the first quarter of next year. The code will be released for public review in November, the company said, on its web site. Sequoia’s proprietary, closed systems are currently used in 16 states and the District of Columbia.
The announcement comes five days after a non-profit foundation announced the release of its open-source election software for public review. Sequoia spokeswoman Michelle Shafer says the timing of its release is unrelated to the foundation’s announcement.
Open-source software allows the public to participate in the actual development of the software. Whereas Sequoia’s public source, or disclosed-source, software only allows the public to see software that its developers have already created.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Can Open Source Software Save Democracy? | Government IT Blog | InformationWeek Government
Can Open Source Software Save Democracy? | Government IT Blog | InformationWeek Government:
Posted by Michael Hickins on October 26, 2009 03:19 PM
Voting machines and their foibles were catapulted to the top of public consciousness during the 2000 Presidential election, but have gone largely unnoticed in subsequent elections, which is a good thing. The possibility that a widespread glitch could affect a close national election, and the potential for this to undermine democracy, cannot be overstated.
But voting machines -- particularly the electronic voting machines that local election officials have started putting in place in the wake of the 2000 election with funding from the newly-created Elections Assistance Commission (EAC) -- have been responsible for a number of issues that, if they become more frequent, could fatally undermine Americans' confidence in election outcomes.
Posted by Michael Hickins on October 26, 2009 03:19 PM
Voting machines and their foibles were catapulted to the top of public consciousness during the 2000 Presidential election, but have gone largely unnoticed in subsequent elections, which is a good thing. The possibility that a widespread glitch could affect a close national election, and the potential for this to undermine democracy, cannot be overstated.
But voting machines -- particularly the electronic voting machines that local election officials have started putting in place in the wake of the 2000 election with funding from the newly-created Elections Assistance Commission (EAC) -- have been responsible for a number of issues that, if they become more frequent, could fatally undermine Americans' confidence in election outcomes.
Town considers paperless 2010 election - Northumberland Today - Ontario, CA
Town considers paperless 2010 election - Northumberland Today - Ontario, CA:
A completely paperless system may be used when town residents vote for their municipal council and school board representatives next year.
Cobourg Mayor Peter Delanty anticipates upwards of 55% of electors would vote in 2010, up from 44.91% in 2006 when the town used a combination of paper ballots at polling stations and electronic voting. The election before that, which used only paper ballots, realized voter turnout of 36.47%.
'Getting over 50% (voter turnout in 2010) would be superb, if we could get that,' Delanty said.
As in the last municipal election, Intelivote Systems Inc. of Nova Scotia would provide the electronic voting service, which can be used over the telephone or Internet. Each person would be given a personal identification number with which to vote and, once used to complete the entire voting choices, it cannot be used again. Also as in 2006, people can start their voting on the telephone and complete it at a later time, or use the Internet, or vice versa.
A completely paperless system may be used when town residents vote for their municipal council and school board representatives next year.
Cobourg Mayor Peter Delanty anticipates upwards of 55% of electors would vote in 2010, up from 44.91% in 2006 when the town used a combination of paper ballots at polling stations and electronic voting. The election before that, which used only paper ballots, realized voter turnout of 36.47%.
'Getting over 50% (voter turnout in 2010) would be superb, if we could get that,' Delanty said.
As in the last municipal election, Intelivote Systems Inc. of Nova Scotia would provide the electronic voting service, which can be used over the telephone or Internet. Each person would be given a personal identification number with which to vote and, once used to complete the entire voting choices, it cannot be used again. Also as in 2006, people can start their voting on the telephone and complete it at a later time, or use the Internet, or vice versa.
Sequoia Voting Systems Announces the First Transparent Election System with Fully Disclosed, Freely Available Source Code and Open Architecture Developed to Meet Federal Voting System Guidelines
Sequoia Voting Systems Announces the First Transparent Election System with Fully Disclosed, Freely Available Source Code and Open Architecture Developed to Meet Federal Voting System Guidelines:
Today, Sequoia Voting Systems officially introduced its latest revolutionary new offering – the Frontier Election System tm – the first transparent end-to-end election system including precinct and central count digital optical scan tabulators, robust election management and ballot preparation system, and a tally, tabulation, and reporting applications based on an open architecture with publicly disclosed source code developed specifically to meet current and future iterations of the federal Voting System Guidelines.
Today, Sequoia Voting Systems officially introduced its latest revolutionary new offering – the Frontier Election System tm – the first transparent end-to-end election system including precinct and central count digital optical scan tabulators, robust election management and ballot preparation system, and a tally, tabulation, and reporting applications based on an open architecture with publicly disclosed source code developed specifically to meet current and future iterations of the federal Voting System Guidelines.
Canadian Province Alberta Seeks Citizens Views On Its New Early Intervention Programme
Canadian Province Alberta Seeks Citizens Views On Its New Early Intervention Programme - eGov monitor
A review panel was established this past summer by Children and Youth Services Minister Janis Tarchuk to study the system and suggest ways it can be strengthened to support at-risk children, youth and families in the province. As part of this review, the panel has launched a website with a discussion guide where Albertans can offer their thoughts and ideas.
“Albertans’ feedback will give our panel a better understanding of how the system really works in all parts of the province. We are also eager to hear ideas about how the system can work better to address today’s issues in Alberta, as well as future challenges,” said Dr. Nico Trocmé, review panel co-chair, Philip Fisher Chair in Social Work at McGill University and Scientific Director of the Canadian Centre of Excellence in Child Welfare. “The panel is committed to hearing and carefully considering many different points of view as we develop a report and recommendations for the Minister of Children and Youth Services.”
US: Approval Ratings Show Voters Find State Governments Dysfunctional Across The USA
US: Approval Ratings Show Voters Find State Governments Dysfunctional Across The USA - eGov monitor
In some of the states hit hardest by the recession, frustration among voters and in the media over the way state government works — or doesn’t work — seems to be boiling over.
In New Jersey, which, along with Virginia, is one of only two states with gubernatorial elections this year, the state’s largest daily newspaper, The (Newark) Star-Ledger, this month endorsed independent candidate Chris Daggett, breaking “a long tradition of endorsing either Democratic or Republican candidates for governor,” according to an account on newjerseynewsroom.com.
...
In some of the states hit hardest by the recession, frustration among voters and in the media over the way state government works — or doesn’t work — seems to be boiling over.
In New Jersey, which, along with Virginia, is one of only two states with gubernatorial elections this year, the state’s largest daily newspaper, The (Newark) Star-Ledger, this month endorsed independent candidate Chris Daggett, breaking “a long tradition of endorsing either Democratic or Republican candidates for governor,” according to an account on newjerseynewsroom.com.
...
Monday, October 26, 2009
National Academy of Sciences Releases EAC-funded Report on Statewide Voter Registration Databases « Docuticker
National Academy of Sciences Releases EAC-funded Report on Statewide Voter Registration Databases « Docuticker:
The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) today released its Improving State Voter Registration Databases report, funded by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC). The report, available on the EAC Web site, includes data gathered from the states about their databases and short-term and long-term recommendations for improving and implementing them.
EAC will use the NAS report as a basis to update its 2005 voluntary guidance for statewide voter registration databases, in accordance with EAC’s Fiscal Years 2009-2014 Strategic Plan.
The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) today released its Improving State Voter Registration Databases report, funded by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC). The report, available on the EAC Web site, includes data gathered from the states about their databases and short-term and long-term recommendations for improving and implementing them.
EAC will use the NAS report as a basis to update its 2005 voluntary guidance for statewide voter registration databases, in accordance with EAC’s Fiscal Years 2009-2014 Strategic Plan.
Recommendations cover the following subject areas:
- Public education and dissemination of registration information
- Administrative processes and procedures
- Funding registration databases
- Data collection and entry
- Matching procedures
- Privacy, security, and backup
- Database interoperability
The report presents information gathered during three years of study conducted by the Committee on State Voter Registration Databases, a group of 14 experts in the fields of election administration; political science; computer and network security; and databases, who were organized by NAS to consider this issue.
Full Report (PDF; 1.4 MB)Friday, October 23, 2009
Open Source Voting System Code Ready for Public Review | Threat Level | Wired.com
Open Source Voting System Code Ready for Public Review | Threat Level | Wired.com:
The Open Source Digital Voting Foundation (OSDV) announced the availability of source code for its prototype election system Wednesday night at a panel discussion that included Mitch Kapor, creator of Lotus 1-2-3 and co-founder of the Electronic Frontier Foundation; California Secretary of State Debra Bowen; Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder Dean Logan; and Heather Smith, director of Rock the Vote.
The OSDV, co-founded by Gregory Miller and John Sebes, launched its Trust the Vote Project in 2006 and has an eight-year roadmap to produce a comprehensive, publicly owned, open-source electronic election system. The system would be available for licensing to manufacturers or election districts, and would include a voter registration component; firmware for voting devices for casting ballots (either touch-screen systems with a paper trail, optical-scan machines or ballot-marking devices); and an election management system for creating ballots, administering elections and counting votes.
The Open Source Digital Voting Foundation (OSDV) announced the availability of source code for its prototype election system Wednesday night at a panel discussion that included Mitch Kapor, creator of Lotus 1-2-3 and co-founder of the Electronic Frontier Foundation; California Secretary of State Debra Bowen; Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder Dean Logan; and Heather Smith, director of Rock the Vote.
The OSDV, co-founded by Gregory Miller and John Sebes, launched its Trust the Vote Project in 2006 and has an eight-year roadmap to produce a comprehensive, publicly owned, open-source electronic election system. The system would be available for licensing to manufacturers or election districts, and would include a voter registration component; firmware for voting devices for casting ballots (either touch-screen systems with a paper trail, optical-scan machines or ballot-marking devices); and an election management system for creating ballots, administering elections and counting votes.
Congress Approves Bill Helping Overseas Voters - NYTimes.com
Congress Approves Bill Helping Overseas Voters - NYTimes.com:
WASHINGTON — For decades, Election Day has been just out of reach for many American troops and civilians abroad. After struggling to get the paperwork needed to register, they often receive their ballots too late to return them by the deadline.
On Thursday, however, federal lawmakers made it easier for American citizens to cast ballots overseas. By a 68-to-29 vote in the Senate, Congress gave final approval to legislation requiring all states to provide overseas voters with the new option of getting ballots electronically and no later than 45 days before the election. This is so voters have adequate time to complete and mail them back to the United States.
WASHINGTON — For decades, Election Day has been just out of reach for many American troops and civilians abroad. After struggling to get the paperwork needed to register, they often receive their ballots too late to return them by the deadline.
On Thursday, however, federal lawmakers made it easier for American citizens to cast ballots overseas. By a 68-to-29 vote in the Senate, Congress gave final approval to legislation requiring all states to provide overseas voters with the new option of getting ballots electronically and no later than 45 days before the election. This is so voters have adequate time to complete and mail them back to the United States.
Pew Applauds Congress for Including Military and Overseas Voting Solutions in Final Defense Authorization Bill | Reuters
Pew Applauds Congress for Including Military and Overseas Voting Solutions in Final Defense Authorization Bill | Reuters:
WASHINGTON, Oct. 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Congress enacted the National Defense Authorization Act which includes provisions that will resolve several key voting problems for American military service members and citizens overseas.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Congress enacted the National Defense Authorization Act which includes provisions that will resolve several key voting problems for American military service members and citizens overseas.
The bill encompasses the Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment
(MOVE) Act, which is sponsored by Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY), co-sponsored
by Senator Robert Bennett (R-UT) and supported by a bipartisan group of
senators and representatives. It will expedite the transmission of absentee
ballots to military personnel and civilians abroad to provide more time for
them to vote in U.S. elections and return their ballots in time to be counted.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Guide of Romanian voter abroad is launched by MAE | Financiarul
Guide of Romanian voter abroad is launched by MAE | Financiarul:
The Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) on Wednesday launched a Guide of the Romanian Voter Abroad with a view to ensuring the correct information of the citizens living abroad of the conditions under which they will be able to vote in the presidential election.
The Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) on Wednesday launched a Guide of the Romanian Voter Abroad with a view to ensuring the correct information of the citizens living abroad of the conditions under which they will be able to vote in the presidential election.
Living in Peru » News » Peru could enable e-voting for Peruvians living abroad
Living in Peru » News » Peru could enable e-voting for Peruvians living abroad:
Peruvians living abroad could vote online in the future, and would not need to do long and expensive trips, said todays specialists from Peru's National Office of Electoral Processes (ONPE).
According to Jorge Lazo, ONPE's Manager of Electoral Systems and Informatics, if they finally set this system up, then the Peruvians abroad will be able to vote using their own computers at home, from their office, or from any Internet cafe.
"We believe that this would be the best solution to reduce absenteeism, which reached 36% and 38% during 2006 general elections," he said.
He remarked that the process will be fast, easy, transparent, and will enable Peruvians abroad to vote.
In order to start this system, ONPE would open a register for Peruvians abroad, so that they can have a unique PIN with a username and password, which would guarantee the secrecy of their vote.
Peruvians living abroad could vote online in the future, and would not need to do long and expensive trips, said todays specialists from Peru's National Office of Electoral Processes (ONPE).
According to Jorge Lazo, ONPE's Manager of Electoral Systems and Informatics, if they finally set this system up, then the Peruvians abroad will be able to vote using their own computers at home, from their office, or from any Internet cafe.
"We believe that this would be the best solution to reduce absenteeism, which reached 36% and 38% during 2006 general elections," he said.
He remarked that the process will be fast, easy, transparent, and will enable Peruvians abroad to vote.
In order to start this system, ONPE would open a register for Peruvians abroad, so that they can have a unique PIN with a username and password, which would guarantee the secrecy of their vote.
Sequoia evoting code reveals possible FEC rule violations - Ars Technica
Sequoia evoting code reveals possible FEC rule violations - Ars Technica:
The Election Defense Alliance (EDA), an election integrity watchdog group, has launched a public review of the accidentally leaked source code that powers Sequoia electronic voting machines. Though still in its initial stages, the review has already uncovered evidence indicating that the voting machines are programmed in a manner that falls afoul of rules and guidelines established by the Federal Election Commission.
The Election Defense Alliance (EDA), an election integrity watchdog group, has launched a public review of the accidentally leaked source code that powers Sequoia electronic voting machines. Though still in its initial stages, the review has already uncovered evidence indicating that the voting machines are programmed in a manner that falls afoul of rules and guidelines established by the Federal Election Commission.
Sequoia generally goes to great lengths to block independent review of its technology. For example, the company used legal threats last year in an effort to prevent New Jersey election officials from conducting a machine audit. The source disclosure that has enabled the EDA to conduct its review was entirely accidental. The program code was exacted from an MS-SQL database that was provided to the EDA by the election officials of Riverside County, California in response to a public records request. Sequoia insisted on redacting the database before allowing the data to be reviewed, but they botched the redaction job.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
iTWire - Sequoia Voting System database laid bare but no secrets found
iTWire - Sequoia Voting System database laid bare but no secrets found:
Liberal US shock-blog Daily Kos gained legal access to the database used by electronic voting machines produced by Sequoia Voting Systems. The Daily Kos sensationally claimed the database violated Federal voting law. A closer examination gives a different story.
Liberal US shock-blog Daily Kos gained legal access to the database used by electronic voting machines produced by Sequoia Voting Systems. The Daily Kos sensationally claimed the database violated Federal voting law. A closer examination gives a different story.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Electronic voting: Changing the world faster than a Windows upgrade | ZDNet Government | ZDNet.com
Electronic voting: Changing the world faster than a Windows upgrade | ZDNet Government | ZDNet.com:
The world changes every day and often our lives get impacted every second by outcomes out of our domain or control. Government institutions and the leaders we elected change political behaviors at a slower pace. Lawmakers react along party lines and tout change as the promised path to improvements. They have four years, sometimes longer, in office to create change. It can take decades for policies and laws to actually happen in many parts of the world. The Internet world is pushing to shorten those time lines.
...
The world changes every day and often our lives get impacted every second by outcomes out of our domain or control. Government institutions and the leaders we elected change political behaviors at a slower pace. Lawmakers react along party lines and tout change as the promised path to improvements. They have four years, sometimes longer, in office to create change. It can take decades for policies and laws to actually happen in many parts of the world. The Internet world is pushing to shorten those time lines.
...
Monday, October 19, 2009
VA Election Board under Gov. Tim Kaine blocked military votes
VA Election Board under Gov. Tim Kaine blocked military votes:
On Friday, U.S. District Judge Richard Williams ruled that Virginia violated the voting rights of service members deployed overseas because state election officials failed to send them absentee ballots for the 2008 presidential election in time for them to be returned by election day.
Virginia's failure to mail about 2,100 absentee ballots at least 30 days prior to the election was a violation of the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.
On Friday, U.S. District Judge Richard Williams ruled that Virginia violated the voting rights of service members deployed overseas because state election officials failed to send them absentee ballots for the 2008 presidential election in time for them to be returned by election day.
Virginia's failure to mail about 2,100 absentee ballots at least 30 days prior to the election was a violation of the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Overseas Koreans Angry Over Empty Promises on Suffrage
Overseas Koreans Angry Over Empty Promises on Suffrage:
Koreans living abroad are becoming increasingly anxious over lawmakers' failure to provide specific plans regarding their ability to vote.
"We have recently seen a surge of lawmakers visiting the United States since the Election Law was revised in February." said Jeff Lee, a director of the Korean American Federation of Los Angeles, from the costal city's Koreatown.
"Yet, none of them have come up with specific plans to simplify the registration and voting process, which takes a couple of days for many to cast a vote at the nearest Korean consulate or embassy and to counter fraudulent votes when the mail voting system is introduced," Lee said.
Koreans living abroad are becoming increasingly anxious over lawmakers' failure to provide specific plans regarding their ability to vote.
"We have recently seen a surge of lawmakers visiting the United States since the Election Law was revised in February." said Jeff Lee, a director of the Korean American Federation of Los Angeles, from the costal city's Koreatown.
"Yet, none of them have come up with specific plans to simplify the registration and voting process, which takes a couple of days for many to cast a vote at the nearest Korean consulate or embassy and to counter fraudulent votes when the mail voting system is introduced," Lee said.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Romania - Stage of preparations for Presidential Election
Romania - Stage of preparations for Presidential Election:
The Foreign Ministry’s role in organizing the Presidential election is strictly technical, logistical. This means we operate as an instrument for the implementation of applicable law.
The Foreign Ministry, just like Romania’s missions, has no involvement whatsoever in the election campaign. We only do what the law mandates us to do, at Ministry and missions’ level, to ensure a proper operation of the voting in polling stations abroad. Also, given the Foreign Ministry’s responsibility towards Romanian citizens located abroad, we will run a public information campaign; for it to be successful we would like to appeal to the media, just like we did in the previous elections, for support in disseminating public-interest information that we will be transmitting during that period,” said Oana Marinescu, Foreign Ministry Director General for Public Diplomacy, in a media briefing on 13 October 2009.
...
The Foreign Ministry’s role in organizing the Presidential election is strictly technical, logistical. This means we operate as an instrument for the implementation of applicable law.
The Foreign Ministry, just like Romania’s missions, has no involvement whatsoever in the election campaign. We only do what the law mandates us to do, at Ministry and missions’ level, to ensure a proper operation of the voting in polling stations abroad. Also, given the Foreign Ministry’s responsibility towards Romanian citizens located abroad, we will run a public information campaign; for it to be successful we would like to appeal to the media, just like we did in the previous elections, for support in disseminating public-interest information that we will be transmitting during that period,” said Oana Marinescu, Foreign Ministry Director General for Public Diplomacy, in a media briefing on 13 October 2009.
...
Electoral reform a tough sell in Canada - Nova Scotia News - TheChronicleHerald.ca
Electoral reform a tough sell in Canada - Nova Scotia News - TheChronicleHerald.ca:
BRITISH COLUMBIA’S May referendum brought a definitive end, at least for the near future, to the hopes of electoral reformers in that province. Despite the 'close but no cigar' outcome in 2005, only 39 per cent supported the change in 2009. Four years ago, a majority of citizens (58 per cent) supported changing from a first-past-the post to a single-transferable-vote electoral system, but the total was just shy of the 60 per cent required.
BRITISH COLUMBIA’S May referendum brought a definitive end, at least for the near future, to the hopes of electoral reformers in that province. Despite the 'close but no cigar' outcome in 2005, only 39 per cent supported the change in 2009. Four years ago, a majority of citizens (58 per cent) supported changing from a first-past-the post to a single-transferable-vote electoral system, but the total was just shy of the 60 per cent required.
The 2009 results mark the end of a string of attempts over the last decade across the country (including Prince Edward Island and Ontario) to switch to a more proportional form of elections. Given this outcome, and considering the events of last December, there is a lesson to be learned for the larger project of national electoral reform. No reform proposal can succeed unless Canadians are willing to embrace uncertainty.
Not surprisingly, the uncertain ramifications of electoral change make it a particularly difficult sell.
...
Scoop: Voting News: Hasta La Vista Transparency, Absentee ballot blues, E-voting spreads in Texas
Voting News: Hasta La Vista Transparency, Absentee ballot blues, E-voting spreads in Texas:
Schwarzenegger Vetoes Election Integrity Bills...Absentee Ballot Blues: Santa Barbara Mayor warns of lost ballots in Vote-by-Mail election, and 800 Franklin County OH voters told to redo absentee ballot requests... Panel to evaluate Hawaii elections chief's work...Bo Lipari report on New York’s Voting Machine Pilot Part 1...Paperless voting spreads in Texas...Wisconsin Lawmakers approve plan to study email balloting...High turnout, violence and damaged voting machines at the polls in India... Systest chosen to test Philippines voting source code...
Schwarzenegger Vetoes Election Integrity Bills...Absentee Ballot Blues: Santa Barbara Mayor warns of lost ballots in Vote-by-Mail election, and 800 Franklin County OH voters told to redo absentee ballot requests... Panel to evaluate Hawaii elections chief's work...Bo Lipari report on New York’s Voting Machine Pilot Part 1...Paperless voting spreads in Texas...Wisconsin Lawmakers approve plan to study email balloting...High turnout, violence and damaged voting machines at the polls in India... Systest chosen to test Philippines voting source code...
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
AFP: Washington 'concerned' about reports of Russian vote fraud
AFP: Washington 'concerned' about reports of Russian vote fraud:
Washington is 'concerned' about reports from independent monitors of voting irregularities in municipal elections in Russia, the State Department said Wednesday.
Russia's beleaguered political opposition has alleged widespread fraud after Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's dominant United Russia party tightened its grip on politics with a sweeping victory in weekend elections.
Washington is 'concerned' about reports from independent monitors of voting irregularities in municipal elections in Russia, the State Department said Wednesday.
Russia's beleaguered political opposition has alleged widespread fraud after Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's dominant United Russia party tightened its grip on politics with a sweeping victory in weekend elections.
Resurrecting electoral reform in Canada | timestranscript.com - New Brunswick, Canada
timestranscript.com - Resurrecting electoral reform in Canada | By Robert Roach - Breaking News, New Brunswick, Canada:
By Robert Roach
Canada West Foundation
By Robert Roach
Canada West Foundation
Is electoral reform in Canada dead?
The initial diagnosis is not good.
Five recent provincial electoral reform efforts have failed. Voters in British Columbia, Ontario and Prince Edward Island rejected the reform proposals presented to them and reform initiatives in Quebec and New Brunswick fizzled before even getting to the referendum stage.
These failures have put electoral reform in Canada on life support.
...
CBC News - Nova Scotia - Shubenacadie vote tampering allegations under review
CBC News - Nova Scotia - Shubenacadie vote tampering allegations under review:
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada continues to investigate a complaint about the Shubenacadie band election.
Six candidates have filed official responses to Michael Paul's complaint of vote tampering, said spokeswoman for the federal department.
... Paul alleges that some band members in Alberta never mailed in their ballots, even though their votes were recorded in a scrutineer's list of such ballots. He also claims people were offered money or alcohol in return for their votes.
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada continues to investigate a complaint about the Shubenacadie band election.
Six candidates have filed official responses to Michael Paul's complaint of vote tampering, said spokeswoman for the federal department.
... Paul alleges that some band members in Alberta never mailed in their ballots, even though their votes were recorded in a scrutineer's list of such ballots. He also claims people were offered money or alcohol in return for their votes.
CBC News - North - Privacy concerns shrink Whitehorse voters list
CBC News - North - Privacy concerns shrink Whitehorse voters list:
A growing number of Whitehorse residents are refusing to be enumerated in advance of this week's civic election, citing privacy issues, and the city's voters list has shrunk as a result.
Some eligible voters in the Yukon capital do not like the idea of their names and personal information being displayed in public, which is the case when voters lists are posted, returning officer Norma Felker said.
A growing number of Whitehorse residents are refusing to be enumerated in advance of this week's civic election, citing privacy issues, and the city's voters list has shrunk as a result.
Some eligible voters in the Yukon capital do not like the idea of their names and personal information being displayed in public, which is the case when voters lists are posted, returning officer Norma Felker said.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Greater London Authority plans £5.2m electronic vote count system - Public sector organisations - ComputerworldUK
Greater London Authority plans £5.2m electronic vote count system - Public sector organisations - ComputerworldUK:
The Greater London Authority, headed by Mayor Boris Johnson, plans to implement a £5.2 million electronic vote counting system for future mayoral elections.
According to a prior information notice, the GLA is looking for consultancy services to advise it on the procurement - and security and performance assessment - of e-voting technology, as well as for help with the rollout itself.
The Greater London Authority, headed by Mayor Boris Johnson, plans to implement a £5.2 million electronic vote counting system for future mayoral elections.
According to a prior information notice, the GLA is looking for consultancy services to advise it on the procurement - and security and performance assessment - of e-voting technology, as well as for help with the rollout itself.
The Canadian Press: Quebec election czar turns to online satire to woo voters young and old
The Canadian Press: Quebec election czar turns to online satire to woo voters young and old:
With voter turnout for municipal elections in the doldrums across the country, Quebec is turning to comic relief in a public-relations effort to propel its electorate to the polls this fall.
With voter turnout for municipal elections in the doldrums across the country, Quebec is turning to comic relief in a public-relations effort to propel its electorate to the polls this fall.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Birmingham News - Birmingham city councillors in call to ban postal voting
Birmingham Mail - News - Birmingham News - Birmingham city councillors in call to ban postal voting:
BIRMINGHAM city councillors are expected to call for a ban on postal voting on demand following the latest allegations of postal vote fraud.
Councillors believe the current electoral system of allowing anyone to claim a postal vote suffers from a lack of integrity and security and is wide open to abuse.
It is five years since six city councillors were sacked amid a vote rigging scandal which a High Court judge claimed would ‘shame a banana republic’.
And last month’s Sparkbrook by-election saw 369 postal ballots rejected amid suspicions of fraud.
BIRMINGHAM city councillors are expected to call for a ban on postal voting on demand following the latest allegations of postal vote fraud.
Councillors believe the current electoral system of allowing anyone to claim a postal vote suffers from a lack of integrity and security and is wide open to abuse.
It is five years since six city councillors were sacked amid a vote rigging scandal which a High Court judge claimed would ‘shame a banana republic’.
And last month’s Sparkbrook by-election saw 369 postal ballots rejected amid suspicions of fraud.
New rules aim to make overseas voting easier | Stars and Stripes
New rules aim to make overseas voting easier | Stars and Stripes:
Voting in next year’s congressional elections is expected to get a bit easier for troops stationed in Europe, Asia or remote war zone outposts with new voting regulations included in the fiscal 2010 National Defense Authorization Act.
...
Voting in next year’s congressional elections is expected to get a bit easier for troops stationed in Europe, Asia or remote war zone outposts with new voting regulations included in the fiscal 2010 National Defense Authorization Act.
...
Once signed by President Barack Obama, the new legislation would take effect in time for the 2010 mid-term elections.
The legislation requires that states and territories provide ballot materials at least 45 days before the election. It also expands the use of the federal write-in absentee ballot, a last-ditch option for voters who don’t get their ballot in time.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Canadians Can Vote by Mail: Special Ballot Voting Accommodates Electors Who Are Travelling or Temporarily Living Outside Canada
Canadians Can Vote by Mail: Special Ballot Voting Accommodates Electors Who Are Travelling or Temporarily Living Outside Canada:
Applications must be received by Elections Canada before 6:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on Tuesday, November 3, 2009. Electors are encouraged to fax their applications or take them to a local Elections Canada office where a by-election is being held.
Once an application is approved, the elector is issued a voting kit with full instructions and a special ballot. The ballot must be received at Elections Canada in Ottawa before 6:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on election day. Electors voting by special ballot in their own riding must return the special ballot to the local Elections Canada office before the local polling station closes.
Applications must be received by Elections Canada before 6:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on Tuesday, November 3, 2009. Electors are encouraged to fax their applications or take them to a local Elections Canada office where a by-election is being held.
Once an application is approved, the elector is issued a voting kit with full instructions and a special ballot. The ballot must be received at Elections Canada in Ottawa before 6:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on election day. Electors voting by special ballot in their own riding must return the special ballot to the local Elections Canada office before the local polling station closes.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Military ballots at risk in New York's special election | News from The Post-Standard -
Military ballots at risk in New York's special election | News from The Post-Standard -:
In the Jalrez Valley of central Afghanistan, members of the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division have plenty to think about during combat patrols in a dangerous land.
Trying to figure out how to cast a military absentee ballot for an election back home was not supposed to be among their worries.
But for these soldiers from Fort Drum, it will take an extraordinary effort over the next three weeks simply to exercise their right to vote in the Nov. 3 special election in the 23rd Congressional District, voting rights advocates say.
In the Jalrez Valley of central Afghanistan, members of the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division have plenty to think about during combat patrols in a dangerous land.
Trying to figure out how to cast a military absentee ballot for an election back home was not supposed to be among their worries.
But for these soldiers from Fort Drum, it will take an extraordinary effort over the next three weeks simply to exercise their right to vote in the Nov. 3 special election in the 23rd Congressional District, voting rights advocates say.
BC: Election rules to be tweaked
Election rules to be tweaked:
A provincial task force has been struck to look at modernizing B.C.'s election rules.
The task force's mandate will include examining disclosure requirements and improving fairness, transparency and public participation.
Other issues include the effectiveness of the three-year election cycle and whether tax-paying businesses and industries should have voting rights.
The recommendations are expected in time for 2011 municipal elections.
A provincial task force has been struck to look at modernizing B.C.'s election rules.
The task force's mandate will include examining disclosure requirements and improving fairness, transparency and public participation.
Other issues include the effectiveness of the three-year election cycle and whether tax-paying businesses and industries should have voting rights.
The recommendations are expected in time for 2011 municipal elections.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Electoral Commission rebuffs GLA plans for e-counting | Technology | guardian.co.uk
Electoral Commission rebuffs GLA plans for e-counting | Technology | guardian.co.uk:
The Electoral Commission has strongly criticised plans by the Greater London Authority's chief executive Leo Boland to push ahead with electronic counting in its 2012 elections, based on the GLA's internal cost-benefit analysis that shows e-counting would cost 40% more than a manual count.
In a response published today on its website (PDF), to an analysis that was published by the GLA in June, the commission says it is 'concerned ... that the advantages of e-counting may have been overstated'.
The Electoral Commission has strongly criticised plans by the Greater London Authority's chief executive Leo Boland to push ahead with electronic counting in its 2012 elections, based on the GLA's internal cost-benefit analysis that shows e-counting would cost 40% more than a manual count.
In a response published today on its website (PDF), to an analysis that was published by the GLA in June, the commission says it is 'concerned ... that the advantages of e-counting may have been overstated'.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
CBC News - Montreal - Montreal to hire workers for election ballot count
CBC News - Montreal - Montreal to hire workers for election ballot count:
The City of Montreal plans to hire thousands of people to work on the municipal election this fall because electronic voting machines won't be used to tally results.
Montreal municipal election spokesman Pierre Laporte said the city will need as many as 14,000 workers on election day to manually count votes, at an increased cost of $300,000.
The City of Montreal plans to hire thousands of people to work on the municipal election this fall because electronic voting machines won't be used to tally results.
Montreal municipal election spokesman Pierre Laporte said the city will need as many as 14,000 workers on election day to manually count votes, at an increased cost of $300,000.
The city has decided not to use electronic voting systems in the 2009 election because of problems in the 2005 election.
The electronic system used in 2005 was full of bugs, and caused several errors, forcing election officials to extend voting hours in some polling stations.
The province's auditor general investigated the problem and later recommended Quebec drop electronic voting systems in municipal elections.
In 2005, about 6,500 workers were hired to help count ballots.
Watertown Daily Times | Military ballots will lack a race
Watertown Daily Times | Military ballots will lack a race:
By Friday, the Jefferson County Board of Elections will be forced by state law to mail more than 600 military voters a ballot that doesn't include the special 23rd Congressional District race.
Commissioners are caught in the cross hairs between state laws governing regularly scheduled elections and special elections.
They must, by law, send military voters a ballot 32 days before a general election. But they also must allow 14 days after the governor's call for a special election for any potential independent candidates to collect signatures and request placement on the ballot.
By Friday, the Jefferson County Board of Elections will be forced by state law to mail more than 600 military voters a ballot that doesn't include the special 23rd Congressional District race.
Commissioners are caught in the cross hairs between state laws governing regularly scheduled elections and special elections.
They must, by law, send military voters a ballot 32 days before a general election. But they also must allow 14 days after the governor's call for a special election for any potential independent candidates to collect signatures and request placement on the ballot.
York region - Internet gateway to election reforms in Vaughan
York region - Internet gateway to election reforms in Vaughan:
Vaughan's political landscape may see some changes come Nov. 2010, but one thing being considered now is how exactly we will cast that ballot next year.
...
Vaughan's political landscape may see some changes come Nov. 2010, but one thing being considered now is how exactly we will cast that ballot next year.
The city's task force on democratic participation and renewal presented its final report to council Tuesday. It was two years in the making.
The use of Internet voting is the first among 16 recommendations aimed at making the electoral process more transparent and convenient for voters, while increasing Vaughan's voter turnout from a dismal 38 per cent in 2006 to 50 per cent....
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