Thursday, July 08, 2004
Open Source Voting
Email to Cornell Computer Science Dept listserv.
July 1, 2004
Open-Source Voting:
In regards to all of the controversy surrounding the use of computerized
voting machines provided by private companies that hide their poorly
written source code, a solution that resolves the problem of confidence
in the machines has yet to be injected into the public debate.
That solution is to use open-source standards in the programming of the
machines. Open-source methods will allow the technology to be subject to public scrutiny, and vetted by experts throughout the country until it is satisfactory for everyone.
The actual technology behind a touch screen voting machine is already
available. The hardware would be similar to a cash register, and would
of course include a printer. The technology should be built on network
protocols so that once it is fully mature it can be enabled across the
internet. Designs at this point will all be closed systems, but must be
networked between a series of voting terminals and vote counting server. Hardened security protocols will certainly be implemented from the start.
This project is just getting started and we are looking for talented
programmers who would like to get involved at the ground level in a
potentially high profile public service project.
Please contact:
Ed Dodge ILR '97
July 1, 2004
Open-Source Voting:
In regards to all of the controversy surrounding the use of computerized
voting machines provided by private companies that hide their poorly
written source code, a solution that resolves the problem of confidence
in the machines has yet to be injected into the public debate.
That solution is to use open-source standards in the programming of the
machines. Open-source methods will allow the technology to be subject to public scrutiny, and vetted by experts throughout the country until it is satisfactory for everyone.
The actual technology behind a touch screen voting machine is already
available. The hardware would be similar to a cash register, and would
of course include a printer. The technology should be built on network
protocols so that once it is fully mature it can be enabled across the
internet. Designs at this point will all be closed systems, but must be
networked between a series of voting terminals and vote counting server. Hardened security protocols will certainly be implemented from the start.
This project is just getting started and we are looking for talented
programmers who would like to get involved at the ground level in a
potentially high profile public service project.
Please contact:
Ed Dodge ILR '97
