Could be either, as the Grey Lady gives us this discussion of the spanking new electronic (i.e. paper-trail-less) voting machines that will be rolled out in districts and precincts all over the country (though not here in the Big Apple, where our Eisenhower Administration era voting machines are still held together with bubble gum and rubber bands). Also likely to cause lines: voter identification requirements, that are being found unconstitutional and otherwise unlawful left and right… though poll workers aren’t being trained in any of this!
The article notes, helpfully, that though many are duly… concerned… about possible big-time fraud thanks to the new machines… the spoliation rate is, according to an MIT political science professor quoted, actually lower than prior to the 2000 election. Of course, the new machines are credited with helping out the GOP’s presidential victories in 2004 Florida and Ohio… of course, such allegations have yet to be proven in a court…
Anyway, there we are. Karl Rove has been remarkably serene and confident, even as his party melts down around him. In one sense, if he’s not confident, who will be? After all, this is his job. OTOH… some of us have our suspicions… Though, will we be able to prove them this round?
tdog
NYC doesn’t need electronic voting machines: It would be awfully suspicious if GOPers won by a landslide there!
Mixter
A paper ballot of record!
Please strike that other terminology from your mind and lips!
Ohio voters are being URGED to skip going to the polls and voting on questionable electronic voting machines in favor of using Ohio’s absentee ballot process. Registered voters who “apply” (a VERY simple application form or a letter containing your name, address and the last 4 digits of your social security number will do) receive their (paper) ballot in the mail. An envelope to return your ballot is included. All you need to do is complete the ballot, stick a couple of stamps on the envelope and mail it back (or, better yet, drop it off in person at your county’s board of elections office). Ken Blackwell may toss my absentee ballot into the trash but at least my vote won’t be rattling around inside some corrupt Diebold voting machine!