Guest Blogged by John Gideon of VotersUnite.org
The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) received this letter [PDF] well over a week ago from Oakland County, MI, concerning ES&S precinct-based optical-scan systems that “yielded different results each time” the “same ballots were run through the same machines”…
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ES&S determined that the primary issue was dust and debris build-up on the sensors inside the M-100.
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Unfortunately, they [local clerks] are prohibited from performing any maintenance/cleaning on the machines as it voids the warranties. ES&S has not performed any preventative maintenance under the state contract, since the machines were delivered three years ago.
This problem, discovered during pre-election “Logic & Accuracy” testing of the systems, would hardly be the first time that ES&S has failed to deliver on maintenance contracts, adversely affecting voters and election results in the bargain. We saw many similar problems during the 2006 primary election cycle. These precinct-based scanners are used throughout the nation, as ES&S is the nation’s largest distributor of voting systems in the U.S.
The EAC received this letter a week ago, and we’re trying to learn when it was finally posted to their website. But, more importantly, as they have a mandate via the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) of 2002 to serve as a “clearinghouse” for such voting system problems, has the EAC sent a warning about this issue to any other jurisdictions where the same equipment or company is used?
What a great letter! But why — oh WHY — didn’t she request permission to perform a hand-counted audit instead of asking to use a recently cleaned machine???!!! *smacks forehead in exasperation*
We’ll be there to change out the hard drives for the recount though, says Every State Stolen
Thank You HAVA. [Hinder American Voters Act]
What will be the straw that breaks the camel’s back? Arrgghh!!!!!
This whole issue with the maintenance contracts is yet another scam being pulled off by the voting machine companies. The same crap happened in New Mexico, with ES&S machines – many counties had qualified techs to service them but ES&S refused to honor their qualifications and would only allow ES&S certified employees to service the machines. ES&S sucks. Blows. Whatever. What can we do to put these bastards out of business.
Besides electing competent Secretaries of State and County Clerks, that is?
SoulRebel said:
Nuke them from orbit. It’s the only way to be sure.
This problem with the ES&S voting machines in Oakland County, Michigan is so discouraging! I live and vote in Oakland County.
I would be very interested to know what has been done to correct the problem before 11/4.
Please post any new information regarding whether the faulty machines have been taken out of service,
Thank you!
Since they can’t out right steal this election, they are content to let random chance decide!
Only in America can so many people not care if their vote is counted, they just figure being able to show up and cast a vote is good enough. Why are these people so stupid as to not understand that casting a vote is only 1/2 of the process? ACCURATELY COUNTING the vote is the other important part.
We’re so screwed..
SillyGit :
“Nuke them from orbit. It’s the only way to be sure.”
😉 I saw that movie this morning about 1:00 AM (for about the 100th time) and that line just struck me as the perfect (metaphorical) response to the whole voting machine problem. (I need to leave to vote in about 30 minutes, I’ve been having serious voting anxiety for the last several days.)
We just need to end the charade. An Executive Order repealing HAVA in the first 100 days would be a good start. “Game over man, game over!”
Wired Magazine – Report: ES&S Voting Machines Can Be Maliciously Calibrated to Favor Specific Candidates
Vote Flipping and Touchscreens ““ Matt Blaze