BBC News - Davos 2010: Cyber threats escalate with state attacks:
Cyber-attacks are rising sharply, mainly driven by state-sponsored hackers, experts at the World Economic Forum in Davos have warned.
...
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Philippines: VP candidate advocates online voting for OFWs | Manila Bulletin
VP candidate advocates online voting for OFWs | Manila Bulletin:
Lakas-Kampi CMD vice presidential candidate Edu Manzano is throwing his support for online voting as an alternative mode of absentee voting by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
Manzano said the next administration should see to it that OFWs are able to securely cast their ballots on the Internet beginning in the 2013 mid-term elections.
...
Lakas-Kampi CMD vice presidential candidate Edu Manzano is throwing his support for online voting as an alternative mode of absentee voting by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
Manzano said the next administration should see to it that OFWs are able to securely cast their ballots on the Internet beginning in the 2013 mid-term elections.
...
Friday, January 29, 2010
Neighborhood Councils Urge City Hall To Allow Online Voting - Los Angeles News - LA Daily
Neighborhood Councils Urge City Hall To Allow Online Voting - Los Angeles News - LA Daily:
Faced with generally abysmal voter turnout, a handful of neighborhood councils are trying to allow their 'stakeholders' to vote online or by phone.
But "American Idol"-style balloting has few fans at the City Clerk's office, which is in charge of running 89 neighborhood council elections between March and May.
"It's not going to happen," said Holly Wolcott, the clerk's executive officer. "The ship is already in motion."
The idea got started in Silver Lake - home to one of the more nettlesome councils - and has since spread to East Hollywood and the Pico council, in the Mid-City area. Everyone Counts, a San Diego-based e-voting firm, would set up a website that stakeholders could use to cast their ballots. For those without computers could vote over the phone. The cost per council would run about $10,000.
...
Faced with generally abysmal voter turnout, a handful of neighborhood councils are trying to allow their 'stakeholders' to vote online or by phone.
But "American Idol"-style balloting has few fans at the City Clerk's office, which is in charge of running 89 neighborhood council elections between March and May.
"It's not going to happen," said Holly Wolcott, the clerk's executive officer. "The ship is already in motion."
The idea got started in Silver Lake - home to one of the more nettlesome councils - and has since spread to East Hollywood and the Pico council, in the Mid-City area. Everyone Counts, a San Diego-based e-voting firm, would set up a website that stakeholders could use to cast their ballots. For those without computers could vote over the phone. The cost per council would run about $10,000.
...
Thursday, January 28, 2010
India: Gujarat SEC mulls over voting through SMS, internet
Guj SEC mulls over voting through SMS, internet:
Ahmedabad: State Election Commission (SEC) a watchdog for elections in local bodies is working on introducing voting through SMS or internet in municipal and panchayat elections, Election Commissioner said today.
Ahmedabad: State Election Commission (SEC) a watchdog for elections in local bodies is working on introducing voting through SMS or internet in municipal and panchayat elections, Election Commissioner said today.
Scotland tenders for electronic vote counting | Kable
Scotland tenders for electronic vote counting | Kable:
The Scottish government will pay £7m to £9m over five years for an e-counting system
The Scottish government will pay £7m to £9m over five years for an e-counting system
The country plans to use the technology for its 2012 local government elections, despite problems with electronic counting in its 2007 vote.
According to the notice published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 26 January 2010, the supplier will provide electoral forms, computer hardware and data capture services. Additionally, it will supply data collection and collation services for any by-elections up until 2015.
Editorial - Internet Voting, Still in Beta - NYTimes.com
Editorial - Internet Voting, Still in Beta - NYTimes.com:
Internet voting is in its infancy, and still far too unreliable, but states are starting to allow it and the trend is accelerating because of a new federal law that requires greater efforts to help military and other overseas voters cast ballots. Men and women in uniform must have a fair opportunity to vote, but allowing online voting in its current state could open elections up to vote theft and other mischief.
...
Internet voting is in its infancy, and still far too unreliable, but states are starting to allow it and the trend is accelerating because of a new federal law that requires greater efforts to help military and other overseas voters cast ballots. Men and women in uniform must have a fair opportunity to vote, but allowing online voting in its current state could open elections up to vote theft and other mischief.
...
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
The Canadian Press: Canadians feeling more alienated from the political process: report
The Canadian Press: Canadians feeling more alienated from the political process: report:
The Institute of Wellbeing's report on democratic engagement, released Wednesday, says Canada is experiencing a huge democratic deficit that is only getting worse.
'The disconnect between Canadians and those who govern on their behalf is deep, wide and growing,' institute CEO Lynne Slotek said in a statement.
The report (available at www.ciw.ca) points to the fact that voter turnout in the last federal election was the worst in Canadian history.
...
The Institute of Wellbeing's report on democratic engagement, released Wednesday, says Canada is experiencing a huge democratic deficit that is only getting worse.
'The disconnect between Canadians and those who govern on their behalf is deep, wide and growing,' institute CEO Lynne Slotek said in a statement.
The report (available at www.ciw.ca) points to the fact that voter turnout in the last federal election was the worst in Canadian history.
...
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Philippines: 6,739 surplus poll machines | Manila Bulletin
Philippines: 6,739 surplus poll machines | Manila Bulletin:
The Commission on Elections will have a surplus of 6,739 Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines for the May 10, 2010 polls after reconfiguring 329,389 established precincts to only 75,471 clusters, easing the pressure on the poll body in the conduct of the country’s first nationwide fully automated elections.
The Commission on Elections will have a surplus of 6,739 Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines for the May 10, 2010 polls after reconfiguring 329,389 established precincts to only 75,471 clusters, easing the pressure on the poll body in the conduct of the country’s first nationwide fully automated elections.
This as the Smartmatic-TIM Corporation, the consortium that won the bid for the supply of computers for the election, assured the Comelec that it will complete the delivery of 80,136 PCOS machines with 2,064 spare units by February 21, 2010.
Full delivery of the PCOS machines will be in compliance with the 25-page contract for the provision of an automatic election system for the May 10 polls which it had signed with the poll body on July 10, 2009.
As of December 30, 2009, Smartmatic-TIM had already delivered 7,200 machines and promised to continue the delivery at the rate of 9,600 units every week until the end of February 2010.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
57% of Koreans Support Overseas Absentee Voting
57% of Koreans Support Overseas Absentee Voting:
About 57.4 percent of respondents welcomed the decision to grant suffrage to some 2.5 million Korean nationals living overseas and allow them to vote in the general elections in 2012 and beyond, according to a survey Sunday.
Yet, 60.3 percent of Koreans expressed objections to allowing them to vote by mail or online, and instead wanted them to vote directly at embassies or polling stations.
The survey of 800 adults in seven cities nationwide was conducted by the research firm Embrain over the past three months for the Overseas Koreans Foundation, which is affiliated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
In February 2009, the National Assembly approved a revised bill to let Korean expatriates pick the president and lawmakers under the proportional representation system.
...
About 57.4 percent of respondents welcomed the decision to grant suffrage to some 2.5 million Korean nationals living overseas and allow them to vote in the general elections in 2012 and beyond, according to a survey Sunday.
Yet, 60.3 percent of Koreans expressed objections to allowing them to vote by mail or online, and instead wanted them to vote directly at embassies or polling stations.
The survey of 800 adults in seven cities nationwide was conducted by the research firm Embrain over the past three months for the Overseas Koreans Foundation, which is affiliated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
In February 2009, the National Assembly approved a revised bill to let Korean expatriates pick the president and lawmakers under the proportional representation system.
...
Friday, January 22, 2010
California: Former Vernon mayor fined more than $500,000 in voter fraud case | L.A. NOW | Los Angeles Times
Former Vernon mayor fined more than $500,000 in voter fraud case | L.A. NOW | Los Angeles Times:
Following his conviction on charges of voter fraud and conspiracy, former Vernon Mayor Leonis Malburg was ordered to pay more than $500,000 today in fines and reimbursements to the city he once led, bringing an ignoble end to a political career that spanned more than half a decade in the tiny industrial city in southeast Los Angeles County.
Following his conviction on charges of voter fraud and conspiracy, former Vernon Mayor Leonis Malburg was ordered to pay more than $500,000 today in fines and reimbursements to the city he once led, bringing an ignoble end to a political career that spanned more than half a decade in the tiny industrial city in southeast Los Angeles County.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
San Leandro goes with ranked-choice voting system - Inside Bay Area
San Leandro goes with ranked-choice voting system - Inside Bay Area:
SAN LEANDRO — After a much-anticipated vote, ranked-choice voting is a go.
At the end of a meeting that pushed toward midnight, the City Council voted 5-2 Tuesday to switch to the new voting system.
The switch means this year's municipal elections for mayor and three City Council seats will be held in November rather than June. The council will hold a special session Feb. 1 to officially change the election date.
Ranked-choice voting — also called instant runoff voting — allows voters to rank three candidates by preference, rather than vote for one and then vote again in a runoff election if a single candidate does not receive 50 percent of the vote as required by the city's charter.
...
SAN LEANDRO — After a much-anticipated vote, ranked-choice voting is a go.
At the end of a meeting that pushed toward midnight, the City Council voted 5-2 Tuesday to switch to the new voting system.
The switch means this year's municipal elections for mayor and three City Council seats will be held in November rather than June. The council will hold a special session Feb. 1 to officially change the election date.
Ranked-choice voting — also called instant runoff voting — allows voters to rank three candidates by preference, rather than vote for one and then vote again in a runoff election if a single candidate does not receive 50 percent of the vote as required by the city's charter.
...
Hopes rise for traditional general election night drama | Politics | guardian.co.uk
Hopes rise for traditional general election night drama | Politics | guardian.co.uk
Survey finds that returning officers in more than half of the UK's 650 constituencies will be starting their counts when polls closed – rather than waiting till the next day
Survey finds that returning officers in more than half of the UK's 650 constituencies will be starting their counts when polls closed – rather than waiting till the next day
This comes after counting delays in recent council polls under new rules on postal voting, including checks to counter fraud.
But concern has been expressed by broadcasters and some MPs, including the Speaker, John Bercow, over the effect of insufficient early declarations amid warnings that this could destroy the traditional general election night drama.
The ultimate winning moment might emerge much later, when most voters will be at work. ...
House passes military overseas voting bill - WSFA 12 News Montgomery, AL
House passes military overseas voting bill - WSFA 12 News Montgomery, AL :
MONTGOMERY, AL - Secretary of State Beth Chapman and the Military and Overseas Voting Task Force are one step closer to making electronic voting for overseas voters a reality. The Alabama House of Representatives voted 96-0 in support of House Bill 30 Tuesday, which will further the effort to make Alabama one of the first states in the nation to implement an innovative process for military and overseas voters to vote more efficiently and effectively.
House Bill 30, the Task Force legislation, will give military and overseas voters four ways to obtain a ballot other than the US Postal Service. These other methods include: commercial carriers such as UPS and Fed Ex, a secure fax line, email, and secure electronic transmission. The bill will also authorize overseas voters to return their ballots using those same means except through electronic transmission.
...
MONTGOMERY, AL - Secretary of State Beth Chapman and the Military and Overseas Voting Task Force are one step closer to making electronic voting for overseas voters a reality. The Alabama House of Representatives voted 96-0 in support of House Bill 30 Tuesday, which will further the effort to make Alabama one of the first states in the nation to implement an innovative process for military and overseas voters to vote more efficiently and effectively.
House Bill 30, the Task Force legislation, will give military and overseas voters four ways to obtain a ballot other than the US Postal Service. These other methods include: commercial carriers such as UPS and Fed Ex, a secure fax line, email, and secure electronic transmission. The bill will also authorize overseas voters to return their ballots using those same means except through electronic transmission.
...
Tory labels postal votes 'fraudulent' LocalGov.co.uk
Tory labels postal votes 'fraudulent' LocalGov.co.uk :
The majority of postal votes in elections are fraudulent, a senior Tory has claimed.
The majority of postal votes in elections are fraudulent, a senior Tory has claimed.
Shadow justice minister Lord Henley made the comment in a House of Lords debate following a Lib Dem request to increase the time between close of nominations and polling day to allow for a return of postal votes.
Justice minister Lord Bach said: ‘Postal voting has been successful and is popular with electors.’ He pointed to the 2005 UK Parliamentary election turnout of 76.6% compared to just 59.4% in polling stations.
‘What is the point of having 76.6% turnout if a vast proportion of that percentage is fraudulently voting?" Lord Henley responded.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Gordon Brown backs Alternative Vote electoral reform - Telegraph
Gordon Brown backs Alternative Vote electoral reform - Telegraph:
Gordon Brown has given his strongest backing to election reform which would ensure that MPs received the backing of at least half of local voters.
By Rosa Prince, Political Correspondent
Labour is committed to holding a referendum on voting reform if the party wins the next election, although campaigners had hoped that a law triggering a plebiscite would be passed before polling day.
Gordon Brown has given his strongest backing to election reform which would ensure that MPs received the backing of at least half of local voters.
By Rosa Prince, Political Correspondent
Labour is committed to holding a referendum on voting reform if the party wins the next election, although campaigners had hoped that a law triggering a plebiscite would be passed before polling day.
During Prime Minister’s Question Time, Mr Brown dropped a strong hint that if a referendum was held, he would campaign in favour of the alternative vote (AV) system, where electors are able to rank candidates in order of preference.
...Finland - Electronic voting will not be developed further on the current basis
Finland - Electronic voting will not be developed further on the current basis:
The Cabinet discussed the potential further development of electronic voting in its cabinet evening session on 13 January. It decided that the development of electronic voting at polling stations will not be continued for the meantime, but instead the current election system will be maintained. At the same time, close attention will be paid to the development of electronic voting in international arenas.
...
The Cabinet discussed the potential further development of electronic voting in its cabinet evening session on 13 January. It decided that the development of electronic voting at polling stations will not be continued for the meantime, but instead the current election system will be maintained. At the same time, close attention will be paid to the development of electronic voting in international arenas.
...
OAS and the United States Sign Cooperation Agreement on Electoral Affairs: South Florida Caribbean News
OAS and the United States Sign Cooperation Agreement on Electoral Affairs: South Florida Caribbean News
The Organization of American States (OAS) and the United States Electoral Assistance Commission today signed a Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation on electoral matters. The document was signed by OAS Assistant Secretary General Albert R. Ramdin and United States Commissioner Donetta Davidson.
The objective of this agreement is to voice the aspiration of both parties to cooperate in activities of mutual interest and provide a frame for the exchange of information, technology, and experiences related to electoral administration.
More specifically, the Memorandum specifies as areas for cooperation the development of, among other things: the standardization, testing, auditing and implementation of electronic voting initiatives; systems of quality management for electoral administration; training of electoral administration managers; development of manuals and other documents on electronic voting; and the development of materials and programs for the education of voters.
The Organization of American States (OAS) and the United States Electoral Assistance Commission today signed a Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation on electoral matters. The document was signed by OAS Assistant Secretary General Albert R. Ramdin and United States Commissioner Donetta Davidson.
The objective of this agreement is to voice the aspiration of both parties to cooperate in activities of mutual interest and provide a frame for the exchange of information, technology, and experiences related to electoral administration.
More specifically, the Memorandum specifies as areas for cooperation the development of, among other things: the standardization, testing, auditing and implementation of electronic voting initiatives; systems of quality management for electoral administration; training of electoral administration managers; development of manuals and other documents on electronic voting; and the development of materials and programs for the education of voters.
BBC News - Voters with learning disabilities 'disenfranchised'
BBC News - Voters with learning disabilities 'disenfranchised':
People with learning disabilities are 'marginalised' by the political process and parties should make it easier for them to vote, a report says.
Although 80% of those with learning disabilities were registered to vote in the 2005 election, only 16% did so, according to charity United Response.
...
People with learning disabilities are 'marginalised' by the political process and parties should make it easier for them to vote, a report says.
Although 80% of those with learning disabilities were registered to vote in the 2005 election, only 16% did so, according to charity United Response.
...
Its main recommendation is for parties to produce manifestos in an easier-to-read format and to make their election leaflets and websites more user-friendly.
Other ideas it believes are worth exploring to increase turnout include simplifying ballot papers and adding photos of candidates, as well as internet voting.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Labour MPs split over electoral reform referendum | Politics | guardian.co.uk
Labour MPs split over electoral reform referendum | Politics | guardian.co.uk:
The chances of a referendum on electoral reform being held after the next general election, regardless of which party wins, were in the balance last night as Labour MPs appeared split down the middle.
Electoral reformers in the cabinet are seeking to amend the constitutional reform bill passing through the Commons to include a clause to bind the next government to a referendum on whether to adopt the alternative vote (AV) system. ...
The chances of a referendum on electoral reform being held after the next general election, regardless of which party wins, were in the balance last night as Labour MPs appeared split down the middle.
Electoral reformers in the cabinet are seeking to amend the constitutional reform bill passing through the Commons to include a clause to bind the next government to a referendum on whether to adopt the alternative vote (AV) system. ...
Philippines - Overseas voters may have to go manual: INQUIRER Politics
Overseas voters may have to go manual INQUIRER Politics:
MANILA, Philippines—Filipino voters overseas may still have to resort to manual voting after some host countries indicated they were not keen on having large crowds assemble in one place.
MANILA, Philippines—Filipino voters overseas may still have to resort to manual voting after some host countries indicated they were not keen on having large crowds assemble in one place.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
2.5-foot ballot seen with 144 partylist groups in polls - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos
2.5-foot ballot seen with 144 partylist groups in polls - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos:
The ballot to be used in the country’s first automated polls in May could reach as long as 2.5 feet and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is hard pressed to make it shorter. ...
The ballot to be used in the country’s first automated polls in May could reach as long as 2.5 feet and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is hard pressed to make it shorter. ...
Friday, January 15, 2010
$1.3M sought for special election | honoluluadvertiser.com | The Honolulu Advertiser
$1.3M sought for special election | honoluluadvertiser.com | The Honolulu Advertiser:
The state Office of Elections has asked for an emergency appropriation of $1.3 million to help finance a special election to fill the remaining months of U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie's term in Congress.
The state Office of Elections has asked for an emergency appropriation of $1.3 million to help finance a special election to fill the remaining months of U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie's term in Congress.
The $1.3 million is related to Hawai'i's share of federal Help America Vote Act funds to improve elections administration, and a recent federal audit found that the money should have been placed in the state's general fund years ago.
Scott Nago, the state's interim chief elections officer, said a special election could be held as soon as May 1, provided that his cash-strapped office receives the funding and the state acquires new voting machines.
Nago said the $1.3 million would cover the cost of an all-mail special election — about $925,000 — and help with preparations for the September primary and November general elections.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Fears for election as law fails to curb ballot fraud - Times Online
Fears for election as law fails to curb ballot fraud - Times Online:
Ministers are under mounting pressure to combat voting fraud at this year’s general election after evidence of continuing abuse emerged.
Ministers are under mounting pressure to combat voting fraud at this year’s general election after evidence of continuing abuse emerged.
The demand from the Electoral Commission coincides with its latest report, which shows that 48 cases of alleged electoral fraud were investigated by the police after the European and council elections last year.
By the end of November, 17 of these cases remained under investigation by the Crown Prosecution Service or the Crown Office in Scotland.
...Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Latvia approves personal ID cards | balticreports.com
Latvia approves personal ID cards | balticreports.com:
Latvia’s government has given the green light for introducing electronic identification cards for its citizenry, a decision that will ultimately help Latvia embrace the electronic age to a far greater extent.
Latvia’s government has given the green light for introducing electronic identification cards for its citizenry, a decision that will ultimately help Latvia embrace the electronic age to a far greater extent.
The cards, or eIDs, “will not only secure citizens’ identification while traveling abroad or receiving government or municipal services, but also authenticity in the electronic environment,” the government said in a press release.
Latvia will be the last of the three Baltic countries to introduce the eID, which first appeared in Estonia several years ago.
The cards will fulfill requirements set out in European Union regulations, which means that they can be used for travel within the 27-member bloc.
They will contain a photograph, personal data, and the so-called electronic signature that allows for online voting and making purchases and formalizing contracts via the Internet.
...
Gambia: New Biometric Voter's Card to Cost Gambian Electoral Commission over US$2M - Senegambia News
Senegambia News: New Biometric Voter's Card to Cost Gambian Electoral Commission over US$2M:
Electoral Chairman admits Problems with Traditional Method
The Chairman of the Gambian Electoral Commission, Alhajie Mustapha L. Carayol, says plans are underway to introduce biometric voter's card before next years general elections.
“Going through the electoral history of The Gambia, there have been a myriad of problems encountered by the Commission, using the traditional method of voter registration,” Mr Carayol said.
The IEC has decided to shift from the traditional voter registration to biometric system for the forthcoming elections - presidential, parliamentary and local government. But this, according to Carayol, will cost more than D61 million (US$2,288,930.61) from a budget of over D152 million for the Commission from 2010 to 2013.
...
Electoral Chairman admits Problems with Traditional Method
The Chairman of the Gambian Electoral Commission, Alhajie Mustapha L. Carayol, says plans are underway to introduce biometric voter's card before next years general elections.
“Going through the electoral history of The Gambia, there have been a myriad of problems encountered by the Commission, using the traditional method of voter registration,” Mr Carayol said.
The IEC has decided to shift from the traditional voter registration to biometric system for the forthcoming elections - presidential, parliamentary and local government. But this, according to Carayol, will cost more than D61 million (US$2,288,930.61) from a budget of over D152 million for the Commission from 2010 to 2013.
...
Conservatives refuse to pay a £215,000 bill after rigged poll - Times Online
Conservatives refuse to pay a £215,000 bill after rigged poll - Times Online:
The Conservative Party is refusing to pay a £215,000 bill after one of its local election candidates rigged a poll using hundreds of fictitious voters to oust Europe’s first black woman mayor.
The Conservative Party is refusing to pay a £215,000 bill after one of its local election candidates rigged a poll using hundreds of fictitious voters to oust Europe’s first black woman mayor.
The party went to the High Court yesterday to challenge an attempt to make it pay the costs of a scandal that pressured the Government into introducing tough new reforms to make it harder to steal elections.
The Tory candidate, who was jailed with five accomplices, was penniless and so the national Conservative Party is being asked to pay the defeated Labour candidate’s outstanding legal bill for exposing the fraud.
The Conservatives are challenging the powers of the election commissioner, Richard Mawrey, QC, who once complained that Britain’s lax system of postal voting “would disgrace a banana republic”.
...
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
FACTBOX-Key facts about Philippine elections in May - Reuters AlertNet
Reuters AlertNet - FACTBOX-Key facts about Philippine elections in May:
More than 50 million Philippines voters will choose a president, vice president, nearly 300 lawmakers in the two-chamber Congress, and more than 17,500 local government officials in the first nationwide automated polls on May 10.
Politicians and investors are nervous about the automated process, which has never been tested anywhere.
...
More than 50 million Philippines voters will choose a president, vice president, nearly 300 lawmakers in the two-chamber Congress, and more than 17,500 local government officials in the first nationwide automated polls on May 10.
Politicians and investors are nervous about the automated process, which has never been tested anywhere.
...
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Honolulu's seat in Congress may remain empty as state seeks money to hold special election - latimes.com
Honolulu's seat in Congress may remain empty as state seeks money to hold special election - latimes.com:
Cash-strapped Hawaii can't afford to pay for an election to replace a congressman who is planning to step down next month to run for governor, potentially leaving 600,000 urban Honolulu residents without representation in Washington.
Budget cuts have left the state Office of Elections with about $5,000 to last until July, with a special election costing nearly $1 million, interim Chief Elections Officer Scott Nago said.
Until the state finds money or this fall's regularly scheduled elections occur, one of Hawaii's two seats in the House of Representatives will remain vacant. ...
Cash-strapped Hawaii can't afford to pay for an election to replace a congressman who is planning to step down next month to run for governor, potentially leaving 600,000 urban Honolulu residents without representation in Washington.
Budget cuts have left the state Office of Elections with about $5,000 to last until July, with a special election costing nearly $1 million, interim Chief Elections Officer Scott Nago said.
Until the state finds money or this fall's regularly scheduled elections occur, one of Hawaii's two seats in the House of Representatives will remain vacant. ...
Friday, January 8, 2010
Better Ballots for a Better City Council - Torontoist
Better Ballots for a Better City Council - Torontoist:
On Monday, just as hopefuls began filing their papers to run in the October 2010 municipal election, the Better Ballots Initiative launched its website. The initiative aims to spark a dialogue on how to make Toronto’s City Council elections more relevant, effective, fair, and participatory. ...
On Monday, just as hopefuls began filing their papers to run in the October 2010 municipal election, the Better Ballots Initiative launched its website. The initiative aims to spark a dialogue on how to make Toronto’s City Council elections more relevant, effective, fair, and participatory. ...
State of Washington: Reed wants fax and email voting for military - East of the Curtain | Tri-City Herald : Mid-Columbia news
Reed wants fax and email voting for military - East of the Curtain | Tri-City Herald : Mid-Columbia news:
Secretary of State Sam Reed wants Washingtonian citizens overseas or serving in the military to have the option of returning their ballots by fax or e-mail.
He’s asking the Legislature for a bill that would allow voting by fax or e-mail as long as the voter’s signed declaration is returned with the ballot.
Secretary of State Sam Reed wants Washingtonian citizens overseas or serving in the military to have the option of returning their ballots by fax or e-mail.
He’s asking the Legislature for a bill that would allow voting by fax or e-mail as long as the voter’s signed declaration is returned with the ballot.
Overseas military will have to register again to get ballots this year | Stars and Stripes
Overseas military will have to register again to get ballots this year | Stars and Stripes:
Military members serving overseas will have to resubmit their voter registration this year if they hope to cast a ballot in the November midterm elections.
Veterans, military dependents and other U.S. civilians living overseas will have to as well. Changes in federal law mandate that voters must request a new absentee ballot each year in order to participate in state and federal elections, instead of the previous practice of requiring new applications only every few years.
Military members serving overseas will have to resubmit their voter registration this year if they hope to cast a ballot in the November midterm elections.
Veterans, military dependents and other U.S. civilians living overseas will have to as well. Changes in federal law mandate that voters must request a new absentee ballot each year in order to participate in state and federal elections, instead of the previous practice of requiring new applications only every few years.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Legislation Sought to Allow Koreans Overseas to Vote by Mail
Legislation Sought to Allow Koreans Overseas to Vote by Mail:
The governing Grand National Party (GNP) is seeking to pass legislation that would allow Korean nationals abroad to vote by mail, and increase the number of polling stations overseas.
The governing Grand National Party (GNP) is seeking to pass legislation that would allow Korean nationals abroad to vote by mail, and increase the number of polling stations overseas.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Chicago Sun-Times/eVoter service: Get your customized Feb. 2 Illinois sample ballot here - Lynn Sweet
Chicago Sun-Times/eVoter service: Get your customized Feb. 2 Illinois sample ballot here - Lynn Sweet:
A new Chicago Sun-Times web tool, powered by eVoter.com, will put all Illinois voters only one click away from finding out the names of candidates on their ballots for the Feb. 2 primary election, from the top of the ticket to the most local contest.
A new Chicago Sun-Times web tool, powered by eVoter.com, will put all Illinois voters only one click away from finding out the names of candidates on their ballots for the Feb. 2 primary election, from the top of the ticket to the most local contest.
Oakland City Council approves rank choice voting - 1/06/10 - San Francisco News - abc7news.com
Oakland City Council approves rank choice voting - 1/06/10 - San Francisco News - abc7news.com:
There is now a new way to vote in Oakland. The City Council approved an election system called 'rank choice' voting.
There is now a new way to vote in Oakland. The City Council approved an election system called 'rank choice' voting.
Political scientists calling for federal electoral reform
Political scientists calling for federal electoral reform:
A University of Regina political scientist is among those renewing a call for electoral reform in the wake of the federal government's recent decision to prorogue Parliament.
Saying Canada is facing a 'democracy deficit,' Joyce Green is one of 132 Canadian political scientists from 36 universities and colleges who co-signed a statement organized that calls for federal electoral reform within the next five years.
...
A University of Regina political scientist is among those renewing a call for electoral reform in the wake of the federal government's recent decision to prorogue Parliament.
Saying Canada is facing a 'democracy deficit,' Joyce Green is one of 132 Canadian political scientists from 36 universities and colleges who co-signed a statement organized that calls for federal electoral reform within the next five years.
...
At Last, New York Voting System Set to Enter Electronic Age - NYTimes.com
At Last, New York Voting System Set to Enter Electronic Age - NYTimes.com:
The voting machine levers are officially history.
After years of delays and fierce lobbying, the New York City Board of Elections on Tuesday selected Elections Systems and Software, an Omaha company, to provide new electronic voting machines in time for the September primary.
...
The voting machine levers are officially history.
After years of delays and fierce lobbying, the New York City Board of Elections on Tuesday selected Elections Systems and Software, an Omaha company, to provide new electronic voting machines in time for the September primary.
...
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Instant runoff for mayor before Oakland council
Instant runoff for mayor before Oakland council:
Oakland voters will pick the city's next mayor in an instant runoff election in November, likely eliminating the June primary, if the City Council agrees tonight to revamp election plans.
Oakland voters will pick the city's next mayor in an instant runoff election in November, likely eliminating the June primary, if the City Council agrees tonight to revamp election plans.
Secretary of State Debra Bowen recently approved bids from Oakland, Berkeley and San Leandro for instant runoff elections, similar to San Francisco's. Berkeley and San Leandro are expected to take up the issue in the next few weeks.
The move comes more than three years after Oakland voters approved the switch to instant runoffs as a way to save money. In instant runoffs, also called ranked voting, voters pick their first-, second- and third-choice candidates on a single ballot and the results are processed instantly, until one candidate draws more than 50 percent of the votes cast.
Oakland, Berkeley and San Leandro are the only cities in Alameda County eligible for instant runoffs because they're the only three with city charters requiring winning candidates to receive majority votes.
Kenya - Electronic voting plan on track
Electronic voting plan on track:
Eleven firms have submitted bids to provide a digital voter registration system in a tendering process that closed on Monday.
The firms were among 33 that had expressed interest when the tender was advertised last month. Most are international, but some are incorporated locally.
...
Eleven firms have submitted bids to provide a digital voter registration system in a tendering process that closed on Monday.
The firms were among 33 that had expressed interest when the tender was advertised last month. Most are international, but some are incorporated locally.
...
Monday, January 4, 2010
New policy designed to boost military voting | military, registration, new - News - The News Herald
New policy designed to boost military voting | military, registration, new - News - The News Herald:
A new Department of Defense policy will make voter registration easier for U.S. service members stationed at Tyndall Air Force Base and Naval Support Activity Panama City, as well as military personnel at all other U.S. military installations worldwide.
A new Department of Defense policy will make voter registration easier for U.S. service members stationed at Tyndall Air Force Base and Naval Support Activity Panama City, as well as military personnel at all other U.S. military installations worldwide.
Sen. Charles Schumer, D-NY, and Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, requested the DOD be required to provide voter registration materials and assistance at all U.S. military bases.
A statement on Schumer’s Web site said the new policy would turn U.S. bases into “one-stop shops” similar to state-run motor vehicle branches.
With the policy change, Schumer said the Pentagon would be required to offer voter registration forms at the time of each service member’s entry into active duty, transfer from one duty station to another, overseas deployment and on a standing basis.
The DOD would assist service members in submitting the registration forms to states.
...
Kenya: Vendor raises the red flag over digital voter registry - Business Daily
Vendor raises the red flag over digital voter registry - Business Daily:
A US-based consultancy has cast doubt on plans by the Interim Independent Electoral Commission (IIEC) to use technology to streamline its voter registration, saying task was impossible.
The news follows the close of a tender for the services that saw 12 local and 14 international companies bid for the job of giving the country a digital voter registration solution. ...
A US-based consultancy has cast doubt on plans by the Interim Independent Electoral Commission (IIEC) to use technology to streamline its voter registration, saying task was impossible.
“From a pure time line perspective, it is believed the general task of accomplishing registering 18 million voters countrywide in less than nine weeks appears to be an impossible task,” said Brian Brucker, International Sales Manager at Election Systems & Software (ES&S).
Friday, January 1, 2010
Maine: Dunlap Proposes Overseas Voting Measure
Dunlap Proposes Overseas Voting Measure:
Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap is proposing legislation to bring the state into compliance with a new federal law that requires states to make it easier for military personnel and others living overseas to vote. ...
Dunlap says unlike some other federal mandates, Congress did provide some funds to pay for the new systems that will be needed to implement the law. He says the goal is to have a system in place that will allow overseas voters to cast their ballots over the Internet.
Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap is proposing legislation to bring the state into compliance with a new federal law that requires states to make it easier for military personnel and others living overseas to vote. ...
Dunlap says unlike some other federal mandates, Congress did provide some funds to pay for the new systems that will be needed to implement the law. He says the goal is to have a system in place that will allow overseas voters to cast their ballots over the Internet.
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