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CAMBER stands up for secret ballots

From: Al Kolwicz [mailto:alkolwicz@qwest.net]
Sent: Friday, June 23, 2006 9:43 AM
To: 'Liss, Josh'
Cc: 'Dean Schooler'; 'Hillary Hall'; 'Sheila Horton'; 'Rob McGuire'; 'Cary Lacklen'; 'Harvie Branscomb'; 'Gigi Dennis'; 'Salas, Linda'; 'Richard Valenty'; .NET Insight; .NET Insight; Citizens for Verifiable Voting
Subject: RE: County is planning to go ahead with non-secret ballots

Josh,

We will happily work with you to secure secret ballots for the people of Boulder County.  It would offend my principles to help you steal from voters this most fundamental right.

Colorado election law is written to deal with secret paper ballots using removable stubs.  We want you to comply with this law. 

You are now saying that the Hart vote counting equipment has a design flaw. 

This means that Hart sold us equipment that does not do what it says it does.  Hart’s specifications clearly state that operation without a serial number is a supported option (see attached).  Boulder County paid for this option.  

I have not had a chance to review the transcript, but it is my recollection that Mr. McClure testified in court that the Hart system supports operation without a serial number/barcode.

Hart’s defect is not a reason to steal people’s right to vote by secret ballot.  It is a reason to de-certify the Hart equipment, and for getting our money back.  This system has created many more problems than it has solved.

If Hart’s defect cannot be overcome in a better way, then we recommend you adopt our long-standing suggestion.   Stamp each ballot with a unique identifier after the ballot has been cast and before it is scanned.  This will guaranty that every ballot is anonymous and that workers can find the ballot without compromising voter privacy.

With all of the press regarding Identity theft and hacking into government databases, it is no assurance at all when an official says, “trust me”.  The only way we can protect ourselves is to eliminate the potential for abuse.  No ballots cast with unique identifiers. 

We do not believe that election officials have the right to steal our rights in order to make life easier for officials.

As Dean Schooler said, the option for secret ballots (1) is in the contract, (2) requires no programming, (3) complies with the law, and (4) costs only $3,500.00.

Let us help you do what it takes to provide Boulder County voters a secret ballot.

Al

CAMBER is a dedicated group of volunteers who are working to ensure that
every voter gets to vote once, every vote is counted once, and that every ballot is secure and anonymous.
Contact Al Kolwicz at 303-494-1540 or AlKolwicz@qwest.net