A Dem leader needs to stand up to reform HAVA

[Tiggeroshii]

If Harry Reid and the Democrats stand up to reform HAVA, and put the entire law out of commission, or introduce an entire new set of laws that can get bipartisan support(some Republicans CAN benefit from such reform), we could quickly see reliable elections again. What we need is the debate to get started or a solid group of Senators to come to their sense on the topic.

I would think that with the new connections between Democratic leadership and the blogosphere in general that have been made, it would be easier to get through to them on the issue. Reforming HAVA now should be our priority, and I don't think there can be quite enough done on a local level to keep more states from reforming to HAVA.

[zonmoy]

1. what exactly is hava

you might want to define such terms in your posts in the future.

[Tiggeroshii]

2. Help America Vote Act, which has required electronic voting machines in

precincts in every state and centralized tabulation. It was easily passed in 2002, posing as a solution to the 2000 Florida election debacle. The Federal Government has been putting pressure on every state to abide by HAVA, in switching to electronic voting machines.

[Wilms]

3. "Help America Vote Act...required electronic voting machines"?

Check again.

Common mistake made, especially by those purchasing.

Let's not reinforce it.

[Tiggeroshii]

4. 301(a)3(B)

"(B) satisfy the requirement of subparagraph (A)through the use of at least one direct recording electronic voting system or other voting system equipped for individuals with disabilities at each polling place;"

DRE's seem to be the only systems that fit being "equipped for individuals with disabilities," according to the law. What other choices are there?

On edit: with this in mind, would it make any more sense to outlaw DRE's?

[Wilms]

5. Snip more.

That's a recommendation/example but not a requirement.

You CAN satisfy the requirements with electronics. But you may do so manually, with paper, as well.

-on edit-

VotePAD is one example of a non-electronic accessible system.

[Tiggeroshii]

6. I assume this is an exception to the dre suggestion:

"..or other voting system equipped for individuals with disabilities at each polling place;"

But is the votepad accessible to disabled people as specified in the law?

on edit: this thread has become mainly our discussion. It may make people's life easier if you just pm'ed a response to me and continued our discussion there while letting the thread die.

[Tiggeroshii]

7. according to here, votepad's not hava certified

http://www.theunion.com/article/20060504/WEBEXCLUSIVE/60504002/-1/NEWS

It's an almost ridiculous disabled requirement put in the law that almost completely designates DRE's. I guess I still don't know what an exception to the DRE's would be.