Prior to the chad fiasco, Desoto County, MS used the punch system & it seemed reasonable to me. Since then, the came up with what looks to me as an ultra-secure. It looks so secure that I wish they would use it throughout the US.

Before I explain it, let me interrupt myself just a little. A perfect system won’t work without A. a good accurate system of registration. B. a good method of ID. C. minimum mail-in votes. Personal note, internet votes are not secure but it could be made more accurate than mail-ins. There are far too many ways of tampering with the mail-ins. D. drop boxes should never, ever be permitted.

Now, let me explain what we now have for voting. When I go in to vote, my picture ID is checked and I am given a piece of paper. If I prefer, I am given an old fashioned paper ballot.

Assuming I choose the new system, as most do, I go to a computer, enter the paper and complete my vote. The computer prints my vote on the paper, which, in essence has become my completedpaper ballot.

Once I verify it’s correct, I take it to a separate machine and slide the ballot into the 2nd computer.

At this time, my vote is recorded in 3 places, once on paper.

I am not sure what the recount procedure would be, but, if nothing else there is a hard-copy on paper that can be physically counted.

If it were up to me me, regardless of the results, I would do a random check of every 1000th ballot and check it against the computer images. There should be no discrepancy. If any show up, I would endeavor to determine why and correct it.

If we make our methods secure, only then will people trust it, only then will the dishonest be completely discouraged.