Voting Machines are in the news again. Understandable.

This from the New York Times, Jan 16 2008

The solution is for all votes to be recorded on paper records. Voters can then verify that their choice has been accurately reflected — and the paper record can be used as a backup for the electronic machines.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/16/opinion/16wed1.html?_r=2&scp=1&sq=a+quick+fix+for+electronic+voting&oref=slogin&oref=slogin


We can have security and electronic voting too: Here is a piece of election equipment that is automatic, user friendly, handicapped accessible, but creates a paper ballot~

http://www.applieddata.net/Devices/ballot-marker_AutoMARK.asp

This device is just a ballot marker (it does not store or tabulate votes, it only marks ballots for the disabled) but it had to go through the same certification ringer as DRE (Direct Recording Equipment).

Moving back to paper is not a bad thing. For all history, our important information has been coded on more archaic media. We communicate with friends and family via email, but wedding invites go on vellum via snail mail. If you buy a house, the paper to do it gets a big embossed stamp. If you ever sign a treaty or trade agreement with a sovereign, it will probably have sealing wax on it.

We should not begrudge ballots their proper place anointed by a slightly retro technology.