Guidelines Designed to Ensure Vote Accuracy

Associated Press
Wednesday, December 14, 2005; Page A15

Voting systems would be more secure and voter access improved for those with disabilities under voluntary guidelines approved yesterday by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission.

The guidelines are a result of legislation passed two years after the 2000 presidential election, with its hanging chads, complaints of inadequate polling places and problems with mistaken voting. The Help America Vote Act requires improved voting systems, improved voter access and statewide voter registration lists by Jan. 1.

The act also required the guidelines that were approved yesterday. "The voting system guidelines we've adopted are structured to make sure voting systems function properly, that they are secure, that the votes cast by voters are counted accurately, that they are accessible to all voters no matter their age, disability and level of literacy," commission Chair Gracia M. Hillman said.

Under the guidelines, those responsible for the voting systems would have to ensure that all voters can cast ballots with privacy, independence and the knowledge that their votes will be counted accurately.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/12/13/AR2005121301960.html?referrer=email

used in voting machines should be assured" . . .

and how do they propose to accomplish this when the software and computer technology is proprietary, and in the hands of private corporations? . . .

wondered what others thought. Making voting machines accessible and accurate for those with handicaps is admirable, and I've written my reps asking for greater accessibility, but it's certainly true that nothing is accomplished until voting machines are accurate for everyone and the abuses of the last two presidential elections are a thing of the past. We still have much work ahead of us to ensure an accurate vote count.:-(