Dr. Rebecca Mercuri
Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs
John F. Kennedy School of Government
Harvard University

"E-voting: Perils and Promises"

Abstract

Electronic voting is increasing in use, in part due to unsubstantiated promises of reliability, accuracy and accessibility made by some vendors and other promoters of these systems. Instead of resolving election problems, serious issues involving equipment malfunctions, usability, potential for large-scale fraud, compromises to voter privacy, and the inability to perform an independent recount, have been raised. Numerous studies (including data from the California recall and other recent elections) have revealed flaws that show the computer-based systems to be inferior to, and more costly than, older mechanical and manual technologies. This talk will replace myths and misinformation with hard facts about e-voting, and will offer suggestions for features that could be implemented to better secure cast ballots and ensure the correctness of vote totals.