Election problems: "The worst software ... is often the human brain"
The Orlando Sentinel reports: Long lines, faulty machines and new voting rules could mar Election Day throughout the country, warn several groups that study and monitor elections.
With control of Congress at stake, even a small blunder Nov. 7 has the potential to escalate into a crisis similar in scope to the 2000 election.
"The ingredients are there," said Dan Seligson, who edited an independent report detailing the potential troubles.
Among them:
* Electronic machines that could fail or be hacked.
* Stricter voting requirements that already have sparked lawsuits.
* A divided electorate that could make many races across the U.S. very close, putting added pressure on an already imperfect system.
"The worst software in an election is often the human brain," said Seligson, whose nonpartisan organization Electionline.org predicted "the possibility -- if not certainty -- of problems at polls nationwide." -- ContraCostaTimes.com | 10/30/2006 | Balloting brouhahas could be brewing