Latest Threads
Latest
Greatest Threads
Greatest
Lobby
Lobby
Journals
Journals
Search
Search
Options
Options
Help
Help
Login
Login
Home » Discuss » Journals » Sancho » Read entry Donate to DU
Advertise Liberally! The Liberal Blog Advertising Network
Advertise on more than 70 progressive blogs!
Sancho's Journal
Posted by Sancho in Election Reform
Wed Oct 29th 2008, 03:22 PM
No according to the courts! A very useful article was published in Chance Magazine from the American Statistical Association in 2008:

"Florida 2006: Can Statistics Tell Us Who Won Congressional District-13?"

Some quotes lifted from the article:

"...the conclusion that Jennings was the real winner in CD-13 becomes even surer."
"...it is clear that those missing votes switched the outcome of the congressional race from Jennings to Buchanan."
"The statistical evidence shows, beyond any reasonable doubt, that more voters wanted Jennings than Buchanan. However, there is-as yet-no precedent for a court overturning an electoral 'count' based on a statistical analysis."

I witnessed vote switching machines in 2004 just as many are doing today.
Even though courts accept statistical and eye-witness evidence for DNA analysis and murder trials; they don't want to do so for elections.

As such - it appears that this election is one where direct, concrete proof of election manipulation is required for true election reform to come from the courts:

1.) Impounding the machines.
2.) Pictures or video of switching.
3.) Absolute proof of ballots being destroyed, changed, or miscounted.

I hope that every DUer is prepared to watch and collect evidence if you see it. We don't have to prove all the elections are manipulated, but proving that ONE is manipulated may be the outrage that triggers reform for all of us. Meanwhile, the sheer number of voters must overwhelm the attempts to change the election - so get out there and vote - and keep your eyes open!




Discuss (9 comments) | Recommend (+10 votes)
Greatest Threads
The ten most recommended threads posted on the Democratic Underground Discussion Forums in the last 24 hours.
Star
Visitor Tools
Use the tools below to keep track of updates to this Journal.
 
Home  |  Discussion Forums  |  Journals  |  Campaigns  |  Links  |  Store  |  Donate
About DU  |  Contact Us  |  Privacy Policy
Got a message for Democratic Underground? Click here to send us a message.