CSSAers,

Here's an upcoming event that may be of interest to the computer science
community at UVM.

/David


VOTING PROTECTION ACT: FORUM AT THE SAVOY TO ADDRESS COMPUTER VOTING

Vermont Citizens concerned about the implications of computer "touch
screen" voting will host a forum at the Savoy Theatre, Main St,
Montpelier on Saturady, Oct 4, (1pm - 5pm) to discuss introducing a bill
in the Vermont Legislature to protect the integrity and tradition of the
written ballot in Vermont.

The action committee (Jim Hogue, Peter Buknatski, Wes Hamilton) of the
group, Peoples' Assembly For Justice, has prepared tentative wording of
the proposed new Vermont law as follows:

"All ballots cast in the State of Vermont in all elections for public
office and on all issues of public interest must be cast on a printed
paper ballot marked and/or written-in by each voter pursuant to existing
Vermont State law. Ballots must be explicit, fair, and subject to audit,
wherein ballots can verified and evidence retained for the public record
to ensure the security and integrity of the electoral process. UNDER NO
CIRCUMSTANCES shall electronic balloting be used as the sole source of
vote counting and recording. Any computer voting must be verified by the
aforementioned paper ballot records."

A further clause in the bill may be added to prohibit the State of Vermont
from doing business with any company, corporation or individual convicted
of engaging in any illegal activity aimed at " . . . corrupting and/or
abrogating the democratic processes set forth in the U.S. and Vermonts
Constitutions."

The forum at the Savoy will encourage public input as to the wording of
the bill and discussion on how to petition the Vermont legislation for
passage of the bill into law that will take effect immediately.
Legislators are invited to attend the forum and offer their immediate,
enthusiastic and unequivocal support and sponsorship.

Questions about the verity and reliability of computer voting also will be
examined - how the electoral process can be undermined by the fallibility
intrinsic to computer systems and the dangers of letting corporations, in
the guise of government, take control of the ballot box.

After all discussion (time permitting) a movie will be shown that will be
both entertaining and politically motivating: (Fahrenheit 451 is planned).

The event at the Savoy including the film, is free and open to all ages
and all political persuasions. Teachers, students, voters, non-voters,
even politicians are welcome to come speak their minds on this issue.

CONTACT: JIM HOGUE, 456 1123 or CRAIG HILL, 229 1890.