BBV: GEMs (questions)

[creativelcro]

Hi, recently Boston got Diebolized :), that is, they purchased a ton of optical scan machines. When I heard Diebold I freaked out, but then I was slightly relieved it was not TS machines. However, the optical scan machines still use GEMs for counting etc. From what I understand, when CA says that Diebold used non-certified machines in some counties, they are talking about the TSs themselves, right ? I mean, does GEMs have to go trough the same cert. process ? GEMs is just software, so I assume it goes to the software cert firm. But I have not heard much about GEMs versions and certification. Does anybody have any idea what versions of GEMs are certified for sure, and whether they may be using non-certified versions of that.
Sorry, long, disorganized note, but it reflects my confusion on this issue... Thanks! -CV

[Eloriel]

1. Be afraid. Be very afraid.

Just joking. Sort of.

Yes, IMO the optical scan are just as problematic with one major exception: they at least include a voter-verified paper ballot which shows the true intent of the voter.

Here's The Election Center's link: http://www.electioncenter.org/

To find out the certified software and equipment, click on "Information on NASED Systems."


HOWEVER, please remember that Certification is basically a sham. It means virtually nothing, and if you ever read the Hopkins report, http://avirubin.com/vote.pdf you'd see that they were very condemning of certification if it didn't catch what they found in like the first 1/2 hour of examining the code. The SAIC report wasn't really any better. http://www.dbm.maryland.gov/dbm_search/technology/toc_voting_system_report/ votingsystemreportfinal.pdf

Eloriel

[La_Serpiente]

2. The governor

might stop the gay marriage vote next November.