Five Florida counties get uncertified voting machines

[chat_noir]

ORLANDO, Fla. - Five counties received new touch-screen voting machines that weren't certified for use in Florida because they were upgraded without approval from state officials, officials said.

The Diebold Election Systems machines were delivered in Volusia, Polk, Leon, Putnam and Glades counties with memory, processor, display and other improvements. The devices are similar to those previously certified, but still require more scrutiny before they could be used in elections.

Jenny Nash, a spokeswoman for the state Division of Elections, said a routine examination of the new model is set for May 30 and June 1 in Tallahassee. Because no elections are planned before those dates, it's not a problem, she said.

"It's just a modification," Nash said.

However, Susan Pynchon, executive director of DeLand-based Florida Fair Elections Coalition, said her group is contemplating legal options because she thinks the state approval should have been completed before delivery.

http://www.bradenton.com/mld/bradenton/news/breaking_news/14564485.htm

[Cyrano]

1. They're not even trying to hide their vote stealing anymore.

They hold all the power, there's nothing we can do about it, and their attitude is, "You don't like it? Go fuck yourself."

If we can somehow manage to rip control of this country out of the bloody claws of the Republicans, we must make sure that never again can any group or party (Dems included) ever get this kind of power.

[acmavm]

2. Some computer-savvy independent observer should take the for a

test drive. Look for hackability, presets, etc.

Wonder if they'd be certifiable?

[enlightenment]

3. Who does the certification? The state?

Isn't that the fox guarding the henhouse?

[Cyrano]

4. Yep.

[acmavm]

5. You noticed I used the word 'independent' didn't you? As in someone

acceptable to both sides and who is honest. Although getting the repubs to agree to someone may be difficult.

[Cyrano]

6. In Florida, the Republicans control the congress and Jeb is the governor.

There's no way we'd ever get an independent evaluator here.

[enlightenment]

7. Feeling a little cranky?

Yes, I did notice your use of the word "independent." I also noticed the "should" -- as in there ought to be an independent auditor, not that one exists.

My question still stands; who, in the state of Florida, is currently responsible for certification of these machines?

I'm on your side -- no need to get your knickers in a twist.

[TheCentepedeShoes]

8. How many are "blue" counties

Not Polk I would think, but Leon, Putnam, Volusia and Glades. What's Ion Sancho (Leon Co supervisor) had to say?