On June 8, 2006, the Board of Supervisors voted 3 to 2 to purchase DRE voting machines from Sequoia. Supervisors Carson and Miley voted against buying these machines. Supervisors Haggerty, Steele and Lai-Bitker voted in favor.
The supervisors added an important amendment proposed by Supervisor Lai-Bitker and seconded by Supervisor Steele. The amendment requires that the county conduct an "independent security vulnerability testing of the whole system" on the machines before paying for them. An independent security vulnerability testing means testing to see just how easy it is to steal an election with the voting systems. Both the acting registrar and a representative of Sequoia were present at this vote.
Please note that the contract (PDF, 2.4MB, 49 pgs) with Sequoia does not allow such testing without approval from Sequoia, and there is no approval known by the public. The contract must be rewritten.
Recognizing that the registrar was stonewalling security tests, a lawsuit (ZIP, 4.4MB) was filed to require the county to fulfill its legal duty to test the systems.
On October 5, 2006, the county released a report of a security assessment (PDF, 1.5MB, 31 pgs) conducted by the acting registrar. This assessment does not include any testing. It is a clear whitewash. Therefore, it does not meet the testing required by the Supervisors' vote on June 8th.
On October 10, the supervisors voted 4-1 (Supervisor Carson voting no) to accept the report as fulfilling the requirements of the June 8th vote.
The lawsuit (see below) will continue.
Testing
The contract between Alameda county and Sequoia excludes security testing, at a minimum without written permission from Sequoia. This is in direct defiance of the vote of the supervisors.
After consulting with other computer experts, Jim Soper has proposed some rules as to how the testing should be conducted.
Legal Action
Security Assessment (PDF, 1.5MB, 31 pgs) released October 5th.
Security Assessment Presentation (PPT, 7.3MB) shown October 10th to the Board of Supervisors.
Alameda - Sequoia Contract (PDF, 2.4MB, 49 pgs)
Agenda (PDF, 58 KB)
"Registrar of Voters and General Services Agency – Approve a contract with Sequoia Voting Systems, Inc. (Principal: Jack A. Blaine; Location: Oakland) to provide a new blended optical scan direct recording electronic voting system for a not-to-exceed amount of $13,250,000, including the initial purchase of the system, subsequent purchases of IRV capabilities, extended warranties and license fees, 6/9/06 – 6/8/09"
Minutes (PDF, 56 KB)
[The contract was] "Approved as recommended with two amendments: Staff was directed to 1) conduct independent security vulnerability testing prior to paying for the electronic voting system and return to the Board to consider options for public disclosure of the results; 2) conduct a 100% recount of the Direct Recording Electronic (DRE) votes cast in the November 2006 election.
Audio
More than three hours of citizen testimony and discussion among the supervisors and staff.
Nobody, and no machine, should be counting
American votes in secret.
For further information, email Jim Soper at :
Jim.Soper@GMail.com
CountedAsCast.com/alameda/securitytesting.php
(May 28, 08)
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