ABCNews.com mistakenly posted "complete" election results this evening while preparing for tomorrow's reportage, though the news organization does not appear to have linked to them directly from its front door.
The areas where dummy results could be seen were first reported in the Net's controversial Drudge Report, which has mirrored the pages in question. The pages also were available to people on the open Web.
An ABC spokesperson confirmed the posting was in error, and was caused when the organization tested out its election pages. ABC promptly hid the pages and posted the following statement: "Earlier tonight, during testing of the site, we inadvertently posted results and erroneous predictions on the outcomes of races. There was no bias intended by what we posted and the predictions do not reflect the reporting or news judgment of ABCNews. We are taking steps to ensure similar mistakes do not happen in the future."
The results were there for anyone who had the correct URL. But it wasn't clear how easily one could have obtained it. Web sites often post beta versions of larger pages and sections to test them, but don't link to them--or at least hide the URLs--so visitors don't accidentally happen upon them.
In this case, however, it appears that the fake results were posted on ABCNews.com's main election results page.
ABCNews.com has a content sharing agreement with CNET News.com for technology news.
During the 2004 Presidential election, I was left with the same feeling. I voted by way of absentee ballot, which clearly states that the ballot is valid up unto midnight of election day. This means to me that my vote will count as long as it is postmarked that day. Unfortunately, the Electoral College seems to hinder this process. While watching the Election coverage on TV, it became clear that my postmarked ballot was not going to be counted before the winner was announced. This seems to be a total disrespect to me and others as voters, as well as to the forefathers and mothers who suffered, bleed and died to establish this nation. The media seemed as much a part of the fiasco as the politicians. This, along with the fact that millions of dollars are allowed into the coffers of politicians to gain the vote. As well, corporations seem to be given preferential treatment. This should not be. But it will not stay this way long. I am reminded of the words of the greatest leader of all time; Jesus Christ, who says that "A house divided of itself cannot stand." I love His words here, because it reassures me that despite man's flaws, there is perfection in the Universe. With God there is no partiality, selfishness, or pride. God is love, and along with His truth the world's needs will be met once and for all. I believe that the ABC error was allowed to surface by divine intervention, so that the people could be informed of what is going on around us, sometimes everyday behind closed doors by those who are called 'PROFESSIONALS.' Because of 'PROFESSIONALS' we're fighting a war in IRAQ. Because of PROFESSIONALS we're selling our industry to the highest bidder. We are thought to be the strongest, wisest, richest nation in the world, yet inwardly we are needy, and don't even know it. Even ROME fell. So can we. We need to check ourselves, examine whether we are truly a Nation under God or not. Not the God of religion, self-righteousness, political parties. We need to return to the basics of live and let live. Love conquers all sin and fear. God bless. Please read in the Bible Romans chapter 1 and 10