I have no inherent problem with the concept of computerized election machines, there just have to be provisions for an independent recount. And there aren't. And it really wouldn't have been that hard to do.

This. I think the idea is great in principal, but the lack of any thing you can print and verify just boggles me.

Granted, I'm not sure how it would/could be handled if you got a printed copy, and it didn't match what you'd done on the machine (or worse, thought you'd done - having seen people struggling to use ATMs before, the human factor is definitely an issue).

Well, yeah, but they'll take my paper Early Ballot from my cold, dead, crippy hands. And don't think they haven't thought of it either. Hannity could kiss my entire ass, if I didn't suspect he'd enjoy it a bit too much. ETA: I think it'll be different this time. Seriously. And y'all know me for my mindless optimism, right?

NY is supposed to be switching away from the old-fashioned lever machines soon, and I am SO upset about it. How am I supposed to enjoy voting without the kaTHUNK sound? How?

You know, it'd be so damn easy to fix the electronic voting to remove the doubt over the outcome. I mean, I used to think that if elections really are accurate and fair, then Republicans have nothing to lose and much to gain by fixing the system and reassuring everyone. I mean, why not prove the conspiracy theory people wrong? I figured the only possible benefit to keeping things the way they are now would be if Republicans really are stealing elections. But then I thought of another benefit to them - if lots of Democrats figure their vote won't matter because Diebold won't count their votes anyway, then they have a reason to be cynical and not vote. So it makes more sense for Republicans to keep things the way they are....

Frank, the paper prints out, you confirm that it's correct, then you push the button to process your vote.

We have the option of sending our votes *poof* into the electronic ether, or using scantron. Gimme my number 2 pencil, I say.

Last week I deposited my paycheck into a Diebold ATM. I received a paper receipt. Plus there was an internal paper log of the transaction.

And it fucking chaps my ass every time I have to get money out to see that Diebold logo sneering at me. I'm so pissed my bank switched to using those. (Not out of any concern that I'm at risk; just because.)

NY is supposed to be switching away from the old-fashioned lever machines soon, and I am SO upset about it. How am I supposed to enjoy voting without the kaTHUNK sound? How?

I feel the same way. It's the only way I've ever voted.

I have a question about the programming of the diebolds and the glavin:

Even if there WERE a print-out I could check and they could confirm for a recount, what's to stop them from tweaking just enough votes that you'd never ASK for a recount?

After the time I spent, it better work or the chairman of Diebold is gonna be walking funny by the end of this week. Make me look like a punk...I'll fuck that boy up. Lucky I'm not a working man, huh?

Frank, the paper prints out, you confirm that it's correct, then you push the button to process your vote.

Right, but I'd assume you'd have to do something with the paper ballot so it can be counted later if there's an issue. What's to prevent someone from printing multiple ballots?

NY is supposed to be switching away from the old-fashioned lever machines soon, and I am SO upset about it. How am I supposed to enjoy voting without the kaTHUNK sound? How?

Exactly, I must have used something else in '88, but I don't remember what.

I was waffling on my governor vote--do I vote for the corrupt Dem incumbent, some of whose programs I like even though he never did come up with a way to properly fund them, or do I vote for the Green Party guy whom I know nothing about? After reading this from the Tribune, I now know enough to definitely say I will be voting Green for the first time ever! And leaving the spot for Cook County Board Chairman very very blank, since I find both the Dem and Repub candidates unworthy.