Does Voting Technology Affect Election Outcomes?

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."

Comments

Re:It hardly matters very much

[Timesprout]

You are missing the point. In the US its a two horse race, you are either for or against a candidate. Bush won but 49% of the population did not vote for him and now have to shut up and like the result.

In the UK its even worse. They operate a first past the post system where for example 65% of the people may not vote for you but you can still be elected. Recently the LibDems got 6 million votes in the Euro elections and not 1 seat because of the system.

Here in Ireland, and several other European countries we operate Proportional Representation systems where by you can specify you preferred candidate and then a list of your 2nd, third choice etc. Its a system which represents the popular vote more accurately and helps avoid having candidates you are dimetrically opposed to foisted on you.

Re:Diebold Errors

[Anonymous Coward]

None of the counties you listed run Diebold touchscreens.

Broward County, FL: ES&S
Franklin County, OH: Danaher Control
Craven County, NC: ES&S
Carteret County, NC: Unilect
LaPorte County, IN: ES&S
Sarpy County, NE: ES&S

Nice FUD