Daily Voting News For March 12, 2007

There are many good provisions in the new election reform bill (HR 811 introduced by Congressman Rush Holt D-NJ), called the “Voter Confidence and Increased Accessibility Act of 2007.” There is significant momentum in the U.S. House to pass the bill as written; and it is on a "fast-track".

BUT, the bill allows the continued use of electronic "ballots" (invisible data on a computer) as the ballots of record. Democracy demands that voters can know the selections on their own ballots. This means -- regardless of whether ballots are counted by optical scanner, by hand, or by some other method -- all ballots must initially be cast on paper and only paper – no electronic ballots, which keep the ballot secret from the voter.

The members must hear from us - NOW - that the bill urgently needs an amendment to ban electronic ballots. We are not seeking to "kill" the bill, but to gain support for an amendment banning electronic ballots and the use of Direct Record Electronic (DRE) voting machines, which create them.

We believe we have a chance! Here's what you can do: Go to LINK and take action ...

• NAtional: The “Voter Confidence” Bill It’s Confusing – Electronic Tallies Can Still Trump Paper Ballots On Election Day LINK
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• National: Protect E-Voting - Support H.R. 811 LINK
• California: Los Angeles County - Mayor leaps to 1-vote lead, but stay tuned LINK
• Colorado: Coffman Puts 4 Counties On Election Watch List Denver, Pueblo, Douglas, Montrose Counties On List LINK
• Florida: Sarasota County - 'Defiant' Dent is ready for another election Tuesday LINK
• New York: No changes at polling places this fall, despite federal mandate LINK
• Ohio: Ohio elections chief says more work needed ahead of 2008 vote LINK
• Ohio: Cuyahoga County voting machines likely inadequate, Ohio elections chief says LINK
• Pennsylvania: Northampton County - Lawyer says bill will be paid one way or other LINK
• Texas: Texas Rep. Lon Burnam submits bill for Hand Counted Paper Ballots in Texas! LINK

**"Daily Voting News" is meant as a comprehensive listing of reports each day concerning issues related to election and voting news around the country regardless of quality or political slant. Therefore, items listed in "Daily Voting News" may not reflect the opinions of VotersUnite.Org or Scoop.**

John Gideon
Executive Director www.votersunite.org and
Member www.votetrustusa.org

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