Fight over e-voting leaves election plans as casualties

The Promise: A million years ago when I was a kid, part of the promise of computers and future technology was a "paperless society." I find it interesting that along with electronic backups of information most businesses that I am aware of maintain "hard" (paper)copies of their business transactions. There are just as many metal file cabinets in use today as there were when computers were first introduced. The number one sales item in an office store is what? Paper. And following closely is storage devices for what? Paper.

With all the controversy surrounding hanging chads etal, I still prefer paper over electronic ballots. At the very least if there is a question about a vote the paper ballot can be picked up/ handled and counted. Everyone understands that with out question. I cannot find the story to reference but there have been stories were voting was delayed because of power outages and no back up method was available. No paper ballots were available. The lawsuits about that flew like bats out of a cave.

What happens if there is a failure in the voting software and the system has to be rebooted and information is lost? Windows users are very familiar with that happy event.

Nope give me my #2 pencil and fill in ballot any day. There are many reasions why voting should be conducted using paper versus electronic balloting. These are just a few.; Posted by: Squawkbox Posted on: 05/20/04 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

Reply to Story Reply to Message

Subscribe to this discussion via Email or RSS

Vote for Bush in '04.. Jeff Spicoli | 05/20/04

Tsk, Tsk! ShadeTree | 05/20/04

Loss not diminished voiceofreason_z | 05/20/04

trading blood for oil stephen732@... | 05/20/04

The Promise Squawkbox | 05/20/04

What's REALLY interesting.. Jeff Spicoli | 05/20/04

I cannot disagree more Squawkbox | 05/20/04

Twilight Zone needs you Squawkbox | 05/20/04

Vote Free sanfiv | 05/20/04

Northeast of San Diego John L. Ries | 05/21/04

Black Boxes John L. Ries | 05/21/04

Inversion Test John L. Ries | 05/21/04

What do you think?

Smart Tech Expert advice on innovations in healthcare and the green technologies that make it happen. Find out more
Smart Business Discussion and advice on management issues that revolve around making your world smarter and more useful. More Smart Advice
Smart People The best and worst moves in the management and strategy trenches. Learn More