U.S. To Certify Labs For Testing E-Voting Machines

InternetVoting writes "In a clear counter to the recent criticisms of secrecy involving Ciber labs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has issued recommendations (pdf) to the Election Assistance Commission (EAC). NIST recommends the accreditation of two labs, iBeta Quality Assurance and SysTest Labs. The recommendation, emphasizing the need for transparency, includes on-site assessment reports, lab responses, and on-site reviews for each lab. These reports shed much needed light into the process of voting machine certification. Learn more from the Q&As About NIST Evaluation of Laboratories that Test Voting Systems."

Comments

Opaque Audits

[P(0)(!P(k) P(k 1))]

It sounded, prima facie, like progress was being made; but quoth TFA:

Currently, laboratories are using proprietary test methods and test cases to determine that a voting system meets existing federal standards. . . . By law, NIST must protect proprietary information. This includes details of a laboratory's specific testing methods and protocols.

Call me cynical, but auditing opaque processes with equally opaque tests doesn't change much; I foresee a holographic sticker labelled “certified.”

I'd wager, furthermore, they expect us to buy it at face value.

Re:Opaque Audits

[P(0)(!P(k) P(k 1))]

Even a baby step in the right direction counts at this point.

I think you're being too soft on your own government. Government isn't a child in need of coddling: it's a cynical and self-aware machine that studies to persist at your expense.

Re:Opaque Audits

[pilgrim23]

Wait, I thought the Dems won. Doesn't that mean there was no cheating?

Re:Opaque Audits

[truthsearch]

And if standards exist, maybe more companies can compete equally for the contracts.