Diebold Election Systems Responds To Critics

Diebold Election Systems Responds To Critics

Diebold Election Systems Responds to Ohio Secretary of State Electronic Voting Security Assessment Reports Ohio study reveals similar findings as Maryland review; Diebold Election Systems to quickly implement modifications

NORTH CANTON, Ohio, December 2, 2003 - Ohio Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell today released reports on security assessments conducted by two independent testing firms of electronic voting systems proposed for use in Ohio. Diebold Election Systems found the system analysis conducted by Compuware and InfoSentry for the state of Ohio to be very comprehensive. Modifications to the Diebold touch screen software have already been completed, answering the few questioned areas identified in the analysis. These modifications have already been implemented within touch screen units in Maryland, and have operated exceptionally well. These software enhancements will be implemented in all touch screen units deployed throughout Ohio. "The areas identified by the Secretary of State are the same types of items that were identified and addressed by Diebold Election Systems in Maryland. We are confident that the mitigation actions we will take - which have already been used in municipal Maryland elections - will achieve the Secretary of State's goals and provide accurate and reliable election results," said Mark Radke, Director, Voting Industry, Diebold Election Systems. "These software enhancements will be implemented in all touch screen units deployed within Ohio and the process related questions are addressed in the Diebold Election Systems training manuals. We look forward to working with the Secretary of State's office in the implementation of our mitigation strategy."

Diebold Election Systems has and will continue to open up its system for review by respectable, unbiased, third-party experts such as those evaluations conducted in Maryland and Ohio. We are confident in the integrity and security of our system, and that the electronic voting format holds the greatest potential for ensuring impartial, secure and accurate elections.

Diebold Election Systems, Inc. is a wholly owned operating subsidiary of Diebold, Incorporated, a global leader in providing integrated self-service delivery systems and services. Diebold employs more than 13,000 associates with representation in more than 88 countries worldwide, and is headquartered in North Canton, Ohio, USA. Diebold reported revenue of $1.9 billion in 2002 and is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol 'DBD.' For more information on Diebold Election Systems, Inc., visit the company's Web site at www.dieboldes.com, or call 1-800-433-VOTE.

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