Getting the Tally Right

Editorial??? Washington Post?? April 21, 2005

IT'S SLIM PROGRESS, but at least this year Maryland's lawmakers did vote for an official review of electronic voting systems that unlike the take-it-on-faith machines used last time could tell voters if their election choices were recorded correctly. The essential but missing ingredient in the current system is a paper record showing each vote cast, which can be checked by voters before their ions are officially recorded. Such paper records also would facilitate recounts and audits if needed. The legislators should have insisted on this before, despite the reluctance of Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (R) to embrace any change in the deal made for Diebold touch-screen machines. The technology exists to create audit trails, and the machines ought to be fitted and ready for next year's elections (which happen to include voting for governor).

Computer experts have said repeatedly that last time there may well have been problems hidden in the software incorrectly counted or lost ions that will never be detected. Some lawmakers this year supported a cumbersome alternative to paper trails that would enable voters to verify their choices only by going to a Web site and using encoded receipts. Far better to let the voters check on the spot how their ions are being recorded.?
?According to a December report by the Montgomery County Board of Elections, 12 percent of the voting machines in the county had problems. Some were relatively minor computer glitches, but the percentage of difficulties is disconcerting and ample cause to switch to a system that can be audited.

It is the state's responsibility to provide the best system for counting votes, not to sign up for private "independent" auditing systems being peddled by various firms. The study, which is supposed to include tests during some of the next municipal elections, should focus on the best paper-trail technology available and recommend its installation for use next year. Voters' faith in the integrity of the voting process should not be imperiled. Mr. Ehrlich should sign the bill and press for prompt improvements before the next statewide elections.