Comments on: California votes against Diebold

State election officials recommend decertifying some of the company's voting machines after an investigation confirms that errors were made.

[Jonathan]

WTH?!?!?

OK, When you consider how close last presidential elections were in 2000 and how current poll numbers are in a dead heat between Moron and Kerry. IMHO things like this go into the realm of criminal.

[George Cole]

realm of criminal

http://www.analogstereo.com/alfa_romeo_145_owners_manual.htm

[bigduke]

Diebold voting machines! and other thoughts

Sounds like even more serious than the Butterfly ballots in the selection of Mr. Bush in Florida.

Considering that the Microsoft OS is at the bottom of the pile is even more disturbing. Its security flaws would fill a NYC phone book.

At least a few Florida counties used optical scanners that do every thing the Touchy Feely macines do, with a paper trail and with much more efficint use of scarce money. I know about one county that uses them. I was there in both 2000 and 2002 general election. These scanners were smart, detecting stray marks, over and/or undervotes, and a fast cycle time. Less than ten seconds per sheet. It then deposits valid votes in the box, rejecting errors for replacement or correction.
In FEC hearings last week I heard the only valid use of the touch screen machines. A blind man said it is the audio attachment that allows him to cast a PRIVATE vote. C-span has the tape and it is a moving account how he suffered jibes and insults in his choice by the insensitive "judges" who marked ballots in prior elections.