Kentucky Attorney General Stumbo Releases Expert’s Report to Improve Electronic Voting

October 02, 2007 -- Kentucky Attorney General Greg Stumbo today released to the State Board of Elections and Secretary of State Trey Grayson an independent expert report detailing needed improvements to Kentucky’s electronic voting system certifications. (Click here to view letter to Grayson: http://tinyurl.com/2hnbby)

The independent expert found serious deficiencies in recent voting system testing and certification procedures conducted on Monday, September 17, 2007. The State Board of Elections approved the certifications on Tuesday, September 18, 2007, without awaiting the expert’s report. (Click here to view report: http://tinyurl.com/39we52)

“Kentucky still fails to conduct meaningful, in-depth testing of these critical voting systems,” Stumbo said. “My office has given specific step-by-step instructions for improving testing procedures. Enhanced protections are needed immediately to safeguard our democratic process.”

Among the improvements recommended in the new report are the following:

* Improving protections against tampering and hacking of voting machines;
* Adopting security safeguards developed for California and Florida voters;
* Examining source code and software during testing procedures;
* Securing adequate funding for optical scan systems;
* Implementing random mandatory audits after each election; and
* Developing independent state expertise to reduce complete reliance on manufacturer support staff.

“These expert recommendations will increase voter confidence if promptly adopted,” concluded Stumbo. “Kentucky voters deserve the highest quality protections for our elections.”

Source: Kentucky Attorney General