Update: WI, Rules to be put in Accenture pact

[Ellipsis]

This is interesting ...

the "ability" of staff to access Accenture's source code - the underlying software - should fixes need to be made to the system.

...like to see the fine print here.



State to put limits on voter list firm

State negotiators have agreed to require Accenture LLP, the company hired to create Wisconsin's mandated statewide voter registration list, to provide access to its proprietary software and ensure that confidential voter information not be copied or sold.


Assistant Attorney General Monica Kurkert-Brist sent a letter Monday to Kevin Kennedy, executive director of the Wisconsin Elections Board, confirming that Kennedy and the Department of Administration's Office of Legal Counsel have agreed to negotiate such requirements in two amendments to Accenture's $13.9 million contract.

Kurkert-Brist said the agreements are meant to address public concerns about the confidentiality of voter records and the ability of staff to access Accenture's source code - the underlying software - should fixes need to be made to the system

more...

http://www.madison.com/tct/news/stories//index.php?ntid=42614&ntpid=2

[Dancing_Dave]

1. Great development!

Every state should do this with every voting machine vendor they deal with! It's so basic to insuring truthfullness and integrity in elections, which we have lost to electronic fraud.

[Ellipsis]

2. It's in negotiations from what I read...

The verbiage can change.

If they refuse to give access, the contract can go away.

I'd rather see WI do their own, regardless of the supposed complexities.





Pure paper for president, senate, congress!

[sybylla]

3. Fortunately, Accenture wants more money and a delay in commissioning

That means they have a very strong interest in renegotiation. In my dreams this new stipulation will be a total deal breaker, Accenture will back out and Wisconsin can do its own database for half the money. In reality, it probably means we'll spend more money and only get half the measures for protection that the elections board is asking for.

As for "supposed complexities," employees of the state were some of the first to cry foul on this contract, claiming that they could do the database for far less than $14 mil and the finished product would belong to the state, not an outside company. They weren't afraid of the "supposed complexities."

Let's cross our fingers and hope reason wins the day in renegotiations.

[LightningFlash]

4. Hopefully this becomes a requirement in all the states.

I'd look forward to seeing everyone following Wisconsin's lead, because that is really about the only way to minimize vote stealing.