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Does Voting Technology Affect Election Outcomes?

Posted by Zonk on from the e-galitarian dept.

l2718 writes "Two economists have just posted a paper online, showing a small correlation between counties' use of paperless electronic voting systems and voting results in the recent presidential election (after controlling for other factors). They found no evidence for systematic fraud by testing several potential indicators. Rather, the voting method seems to affect the relative turnout of different voter demographies. Thanks to Election Law Blog for the pointer."

7 of 383 comments (clear)

  1. more /.ers by 42Penguins · · Score: 5, Funny

    Rather, the voting method seems to affect the relative turnout of different voter demographies. Meaning: more /.ers who couldn't vote with a lever due to lack of muscle mass could now vote with the added bonus of it being on a computer!

    1. Re:more /.ers by GROOFY · · Score: 0, Funny

      Except that electronic voters usually vote for George W. Bush, so neither your nor the grandparents jokes actually work :P

    2. Re:more /.ers by menkhaura · · Score: 2, Funny

      Voting by computer takes some stretch of intelligence

      You obviously never worked at a helpdesk...

      --
      Stupidity is an equal opportunity striker.
      Fellow slashdotter Bill Dog
  2. Ack by bryan986 · · Score: 3, Funny

    I tried voting for John Kerry, but everytime I pushed the button, my voting terminal would blue screen

    --
    There is no sig
  3. Two economists have just posted a paper online by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    More like:
    Two economists are *selling* a paper online (for $5).

  4. The Alternative by CustSerAssassin · · Score: 2, Funny

    Well, electronic voting may not be perfect, but what's the alternative? Strange ladies lying in ponds distributing swords is no basis for a system of government!

    --
    Sniper's Motto: One shot, One kill- If you run, you'll only die tired.
  5. Buy my paper for $4.99 by bxbaser · · Score: 2, Funny

    It shows that since democrats when presented with touch screens decide to vote republican.
    Of course with no way to verify the actual votes neither papere actaull worthy of anything.