General Discussion

How about a mandatory random audit of a certain percentage of the optical ballots to ensure conformity in the vote count? We both agree a written record is essential it just becomes a question of efficiency in counting votes. Most races do not need to be hand counted. I think any study would show that optical scanning would be more accurate than hand counting (remember most ballots are two pages long with possibly 20 races on them). If you have a separate ballot for each race, then it might make more sense to hand count.

I keep hearing potential for abuse and no evidence of voter fraud, but the system should be established such that voting is secure not whether fraud currently exists. The combination of day of voter registration along with no requirement to show where you live? That appears to be a huge hole in security in my opinion. Remember they dyed the fingers of voters in the Middle East to ensure one person one vote. That is why I would be in favor of sealed provisional ballots for those who cannot prove who they are on election day. The parties need to work towards ensuring everyone gets some form of government id. The id should be free. Right now we require more id to buy a pack of cigarettes, get a library card, or get on board a passenger airplane. Also when you check into a Social Security office, you have to present an id. When you register your child for public school you have to present a birth certificate and evidence of residency.