SB 1342 goes to the Governor Wednesday...

[Kevin Spidel]

Bare bone basics of the SB 1342:
SB 1342 allows the Secretary of State to revoke voting machine certifications, authorize emergency voting systems and administer a fund for cities and towns that enroll employees in the election certification program.

What's missing:
A) SB 1342 does not provide the guarantees for Arizona voters that match the requirements of the Help America Vote Act .
B) The bill places too much discretionary power in the hands of the Secretary of State on critical dimensions of the election process

Amendments proposed and rejected by Republican majority (short version):
1) Do not allow emergency certification of untested equipment or software to be issued by the Secretary of State in cases where existing equipment is thought to be broken or inaccurate.
2) Paper document issued must be voter verified and could be used to determine the winner in a recount.
3) Disallows the use of experimental equipment without certification under all circumstances.
4) Makes certification of ALL voting equipment mandatory including equipment already in use.
5) Mandatory that ALL voting equipment and software be inventoried and accounted for.

What to do;
Call or fax the Governors office Wednesday 4/13 and request that she Veto SB1342. (e-mails can be sent but they are not nearly as effective as calls or faxes)

Explain that the statement by Secretary of State Janet Brewer that said the bill would have denied the visually impaired and blind their right to vote in private was not at all applicable to the amendments requested and that misleading information was put forth in the debate. Furthermore say, "I demand that certification of all equipment and software are certified so that an accurate vote can be taken. Also neighboring states of California, Nevada, Utah, and New Mexico have already enacted bills which protect our voting rights we must do the same.

Contact information for the governor:
Gov. Janet Napolitano
Toll free number: 1-800-253-0883
Fax number: [phone]
E-mail form: http://www.governor.state.az.us/post/feedback.asp

[GoldenOldie]

1. Thanks Kevin passed your e-mail to my AZ addressees

I am sure that Janet Napolitano can read between the lines but it is always good to let her know that we are out here.