Erie’s system was certified by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government before it was brought on line in the County. That certification process was lengthy and required extensive security measures in the system and in the County.
There is a paper trail which show aggregate vote totals for each machine once it is closed. That paper can be then compared with the electronic totals so that if something illegal was attempted on an internal basis there would be many eyes on the process and a point of comparison. Our County system is under video surveillance 24/7. Logic and accuracy tests are conducted before every election under media scrutiny to assure proper function of equipment. The system also offers a review page so voters may catch errors either human or machine. This is a replacement for the individual paper trail, which under current technology, does not protect the secrecy of your vote. A paper receipt guarantees nothing that is why Pennsylvania rejected the concept. Unless one wishes to count thousands of slips of paper by hand it is useless in terms of security. Then human error replaces the fear of electronic error.
Mr. VanAmburg noted there has not been a great deal written about voting machine security that is because systems have been put in place and they are working. I also noted an inaccuracy in Mr. VanAmburg’s column; there were no votes lost in the mayoral primary or any other election which utilized ES&S equipment. A machine was shut down for the day but all votes on the machine were counted. We do not run from questions or over site at the county level we welcome it. Voters should be aware that Members of Erie County Council are critical and demanding in their role as Election Board Members. They have instituted numerous rules and changes since the inception of new technology in 2005 to prevent errors. The County Election Department will never stop in its efforts to make elections better for voters. For those who last voted on mechanical machines in the 2004 Presidential we will offer ed sessions at your area library soon.

Everyone, you can read Jenson’s blog at http://thejenson.com/.

You are right to highlight the flaws in the current (new) voting systems. Several years ago, before the electronic machines were bought and implemented, a group I was a member of, LEAD (Lake Erie Alliance for Democracy), complained loud and long to County, State officials. The response was that the State mandates the type acceptable and the Fed and State provide funding - only for a certain type. Apparently, options were very limited and did not include paper trails and security verification - significant flaws.

So, it was a concern, is a concern and will continue to be a source of uncertainty and scrutiny in the future. Nothing is more sacred than your vote - and the integrity of it is in question.

On a lighter note, your piece reminded me of this vignette. Apologies to all who may be offended (Hopefully not many).

http://www.jibjab.com/view/1239

The percentage of foreign parts in domestic vehicles is quite high. The assembly of non-domestic makes in the US by American workers continues to expand. The number of regional manufacturers prohibiting “non-American” cars from their parking lots has plummeted. And the number of American manufacturers who are eager to do business in China regardless of any current assessment of human rights has sky-rocketed.

There have been no black and white realities for many years. And for many of us, our actions are often difficult to match to our rigid political sentiments and pronouncements.

Too many people buy into that “Domestic Auto” nonsense when very few autos by American companies are even made in the states anymore. Ford alone is closing 14 plants by 2012. Chrysler is closing 2 large auto plants next year. GM is finalizing the loss of 25,000 jobs by next year as well.

I have no interest in buying a so-called “American Car” made overseas. I just bought a Toyota that was made here in the states buy the good American workers of Kentucky.

Thanks again.