Dr. Alan Brau of Hanover Twp., Northampton County yesterday received notification that his request for re-examination of the county’s computerized voting machines was rejected. Several weeks ago, Dr. Brau submitted a formal request for re-examination of voting machines selected by Northampton County. The request included signatures of 10 registered voters in Northampton County, and a check for $450, which was returned with the letter. A voter is entitled to a re-examination of the voting equipment, if the voter submits a petition which includes the 10 signatures as described above and a check for $450. 

 

The computerized voting machines which are soon to be purchased by the county (the sale is apparently not yet finalized) are the subject of great concern on the part of the voting public. Grass roots organizations, such as Coalition for Voting Integrity based in Bucks County, have sprung up to draw attention to this issue which has largely been overlooked by the mainstream media.  By and large, computerized voting has been shown to be unreliable.

 

Every week, there are new reports of serious malfunctions with these computerized voting machines once they are used for elections.  The legislature of Maryland, by a unanimous vote BANNED all computerized voting equipment from the state of Maryland.

 

Why Pennsylvania officials have such confidence in the recently-purchased equipment is unclear. All recent evidence has pointed to the unreliability of these computerized voting machines. In fact, The New York Times has taken an editorial position that computerized voting machines are untrustworthy and that voter-verified paper ballots are essential to accuracy and credibility of the election process.

 

Dr. Dan Lopresti, a certifiable computer expert at Lehigh University, shares some of Dr. Brau’s concerns. He approached Northampton County Council with stern warnings about the unproven reliability of the equipment. The Council gave no indication that it would reconsider its decision about purchasing the computerized voting machines based on his testimony.

 

Dr. Brau is considering his options, which are limited. He does report that since he has spoken publicly about his concerns, many people have voiced their support of his position.