I so appreciate the Indiana Forum!

[salin]

It is great to be able to read about 'local' stories - and compare insights with other Hoosiers.

I only post this because the forum has slowed down a bit - and I would hate to see the posting here become so sparsely responded to that it no longer makes sense to check it daily.

So much is happening - the voting machines issues (non certified software) is huge - and I think (for once) a fore runner for a national issue. No where else is there so much media per voting issues that the issue (and the public attention to it) has pushed most local media to pay attention. A slew of counties may move to paper ballots in the primary due to potential voting machine problems. Wow. For the past several years, most counties and states around the countries have instead decided to go with - well what else can we do, sure there may be problems (or worse we deny there are any problems) but we are going to use the machines (as in the use of paper ballots are not even an option.) Something different, in terms of how local election folks are responding (to a large part, imo, because of how local medial is covering the issue and has forced continued coverage of the issue.)

That is only one issue that is unfolding that is of interest to us Hoosiers, but could have national implications.

I know that a lot of folks read, but don't regularly post. But our posting has become so sparse, I fear that folks won't regularly check out the forum any more. This is my appreciation for this forum - esp when we have been active going on current news. This is also my plea that others who read this forum check in - and let others know that threads, even if not responded to, are read - and worth posting; and that others feel as I do (that it is worth checking out regularly what has been posted here)... so please - "sign in" as one who reads this forum and appreciates reading the items (whether one is prose to respond or not) by just posting on this thread - as one who also appreciates reading the items posted here.

That said, even when more innactive, I appreciate this forum - but it is great when it is a wee bit more active.

[IndyOp]

1. The MicroVote software should be certified today/tomorrow...

I called the head of the Board of Elections for Monroe County asking with much excitement about whether we were going to get to use paper ballots, hand counted and he said no.

There are two types of MicroVote machines in Indiana - MicroVote464 and MicroVote Infinity. There was never any problem with the 464's (which Monroe County has). The Infinity's new software had not been certified after having 'upgrades for the vision disabled' made a few months ago. MicroVote submitted the new version of the Infinity software to the "independent testing lab" and it "passed with flying colors" -- the documentation was dropped off at Secretary of State Rokita's office yesterday and all should be 'well' for the primaries next week.

:cry:

I did, however, establish contact with my local BOE head and will meet with him after the primaries to discuss voting machines -- he seems to be a straight arrow who cares about accuracy and fairness of elections very much, but who is underinformed.

What do you know about BOE's elsewhere in Indiana?

Any chance that we could use the current dismay with voting machines (especially ES&S) to make some headway toward paper ballots, hand counted?

[salin]

2. I had worked a number of elections (poll worker) in Monroe County

in the early 00s. Had to record the election tapes off of the microvote machines (not new machines) - which always - in that precinct, at least - seemed "reasonable" in terms of results (based on local registrations and outcomes). If the county hasn't bought new machines - then there may not be problems. HOwever, that is the question that is important - are the machines being used those used four years ago - or are they post HAVA machines? I wouldn't be so trusting of "post HAVA" machines (newer) - esp if there are no verifiable records (recountable, on paper - which is NOT possible in the old Micro vote machines).

While I am no longer in Monroe - I am most familiar with Monroe. Will keep my ears/eyes open in Marion (where I am now.) Am trying to learn more about my new primary home.

News items in the past few weeks suggest that many counties are going to find themselves between a 'rock and a hard place' Voting equiptment that is not certified by the state (earlier software approved by the state - replaced by newer software not yet certified by the state) - and using the machines and violating state law - OR not using machines that comply with HAVA (in terms of allowing the disabled to vote without assitance). I have read counties leaning in both directions. That said, if enough counties go paper (following the state recommendations) - there may be a precedent set for other places in the country about using paper ballots. (Imo, many election officials don't even consider paper ballots as an option - just because it seems so unwieldy to manage/count; thus a broadscale example of paper ballots being used - would take this automatic "we can't do that" mode.)

[IndyOp]

3. Please post more when you have more info about counties leaning

toward paper -- my impression from the MoCo head of elections was that *all* MicroVote software would be certified by today/tomorrow and so all of the MicroVote equipment would be used.

The MicroVote464's do not provide a voter verified paper ballot and, thus, are complete bullshit. You can ask to have the machine print a 'ticker tape' that shows the "sequence of votes entered into the machine" -- but since voters can't check the tape, it could differ from what voters entered and, is, therefore, bogus.

:hi:

[salin]

5. Guessing this is what he was referring to:

http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/newssentinel/14426315.htm

Election Commission expected to approve voting software
ASHLEY M. HEHER
Associated Press
INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana Election Commission will meet Friday to grant a likely last-minute approval of software created by MicroVote General Corp., which supplies election equipment to more than half the state's counties.

Without certification from the commission before the May 2 primary, any of the 47 counties with MicroVote software that allow voters to use the machines will be violating election law.

---snip---

Some counties that bought several Infinity machines planned to sideline them and instead use other equipment that was already approved by state election officials. But some counties, such Fort Wayne's Allen County, there aren't enough certified machines to replaces the Infinity models.

In Allen County, more than three-quarters of the machines that were to be used in next week's primary are MicroVote Infinity. Officials there said they would risk facing lawsuits that could be filed over the outcome of the primary in order to continue using the MicroVote machines.

Other counties were planning emergency meetings this week to debate whether to use the software.

(more at link)


I'll keep looking for news items in the early ams this week and post any additional info as I find it.

[DemonGoddess]

16. I appreciate this forum as well

It's helping me learn about things around here, not being a native. :D

[salin]

17. While I am a native... I often don't understand things

around here...

Partly because I grew up in the town oft called by some "The Peoples' Republic of BLoomington", and also because I spent a good chunk of the last two decades out of state on the east and west coasts and in liberal parts of Michigan - and the state shifted more solidly right while I was gone. To this day, while I live in this state, I am surrounded by liberals... my "hoosier experience" is pretty atypical.

I love getting a wide variety of local news items and perspectives from around the state - and from those who interact much more frequently than I with more 'mainstream' hoosiers.

It is also interesting to read the perspectives of those not native and now immersed in this rather provincial state. :hi:

[thinkingwoman]

4. quickly signing in

I haven't been posting much anywhere lately...very busy...trying to launch a new biz.

I do love this forum though, and make time to drop by and read, even when I don't have anything to post.

:hi:

[salin]

6. Good luck with the new biz!

I always am glad to see you here! :hi:

I check the forum in the am and pm.

[thinkingwoman]

7. Hey, I have a question for you

With the elections coming up I'm in a bit of a pickle. I don't know the Blgtn political faces very well since I was gone for half a decade. Of course, the Horrible Terrible is no help whatsoever. :eyes: They've got some fluff piece about the judge candidates which is basically each candidate saying how great they are (like any candidate would say he/she wasn't great, right?). Hell, I don't even know which offices are up for reelection (except sheriff and county council) or if there are contested Dem races. Can you (or anyone else from Blgtn) bring me up to speed or point me to the right place to do my homework?

Thanks in advance.

Now, back to the grindstone for me.

[DrGonzoLives]

10. Vote for whoever gives out the best swag outside the poll

:evilgrin:

Seriously, in some local races where I live, that's how I've decided my vote in a primary in lieu of any other useful information.

[thinkingwoman]

20. LOL! nt

[salin]

12. Since I spend most of my time out of the area - I am a bit

out of date. I read a week at a time of the h-t - just to get a gist of what is going on in town. And yes, they tend to do fluff on the 'meet the candidates' pieces. Usually before an election there are some candidate forums that are covered on CATS (channell 3)which have helped me in the past make a distinction between candidates. Other than that advice - I will keep an eye out for info and if I find any helpful source I will pass it along.

I can tell you it is the county council and county commissioners that are up this cycle (not city council) and that they last county cycle the republicans pulled some sneaky games and took control of both the county council and the county commissioners. The repubs tried to do the same with the city races last cycle - and were soundly rebuked.

For a particularly foul local operative keep an eye out for the name Bud Bernitt and his wife... they were behind that last few days of the election swift-boating of Baron Hill two years ago. (They formed a 527 late in October - so that the funding behind it wouldn't be disclosed until January after the election) backed by a handful of funders, called themselves "Hoosiers for Truth" ran a series of distorting radio ads on a blitz in the district along with a few very misleading bill boards.

[thinkingwoman]

21. thanks, this will get me started. nt

[LisaLynne]

8. Thanks for posting this.

I was just thinking earlier this week what a great state forum we have and how I needed to make sure I contributed to the conversation more. Many issues facing the entire nation have implications for us on a local level and they always seem to work a little differently when you get on that scale. That's why the state forums are so important. There really is a lot that goes on in Indiana. For one thing, we're going to Ditch Mitch (i hope)! :)

Anyway, I'm going to do my part to keep this forum active. woo hoo! :)

[salin]

13. starting saturday the local dems in Monroe County

are going to be tabling at the Farmer's Market. Am guessing that the table will be quite active this summer.

[Voltaire]

9. I think the coverage on the machines is a good start

But I think we have a long way to go. For me, the goal is not to get a machine that gives a paper trail. I want the machines OUT. They cannot, at this point, be made safe from manipulation or hacking. Doesn't matter WHO manufactures them. I thought that a lot of the coverage omitted that salient fact. We shall see what happens next Wednesday morning eh?

Remember to vote and get everyone you know to vote. And for all those running for an office, like I am for little old precinct committeman, GOOD LUCK AND WIN! We need all the smart people with their hands on the wheel as we can and run Mitch out of here. Not to mention the Chimp.

[salin]

14. I believe that the attention we now see on the voting machines issue

began with our dear own Speedway dem - who experienced problems in 2004 primaries - called channell 8 - which at the time hadn't yet heard of such reports, but became interested and followed up on the story, and kept following up on related stories until they were common place enough that everyone started covering them.

I remember the posts about their trip to the polls and the problems, the post about calling the news station, and their responsiveness, other posts relating seeing a report on Channell 8... So I could be wrong, but I do think that one DUer started a chain of events on this front.

To Speedwaydem :toast:

[LisaLynne]

19. Yes, great job, Speedwaydem!!!

:toast:

[SpeedwayDemocrat]

22. Thanks for the salute, but I couldn't have done it without y'all...

In past years, I probably would have just ignored the ballot thing. But knowing that I was not the only Democrat in Indiana (through this forum), gave me the strength/courage/balls to call WISH-TV and complain about that screwed up ballot. I'm on Doris Ann Sadler's "bad list" now, along with a lot of other folks! However, she's decided not to run again, so she can spend more time with her family (hmmm...where have I heard THAT one before?)
Keep the heat on them, folks, cause we've got a front row seat to the upcoming impeachment trials. I'll go butter the popcorn and put on my D.U. shirt now...
Keep the positive faith, folks, as WE ARE RIGHT (but left, politically speaking - ha ha)

[salin]

23. Every time I see a story in Indiana about the slew of voting issues

I think of you - and your role in getting the whole thing started.

Glad to see you! :hi:

[izzybeans]

11. I check pretty much every time I log on.

I do appreciate this forum for both the local stories and the knowledge that I am not alone.

This is one of the more useful forums for myself. So thanks to any and everyone who contributes.

[salin]

15. With your post from the southern part of the state,

to Lisa Lynnes from the northern part of the state - I think we cover a good geographic cross section. Very cool!

[LisaLynne]

18. Yes, DUers are everywhere!

Bwahahahaha! :toast: :woohoo: