Nader activists ask for N.H. recount

[Zorra]

Tuesday, November 16, 2004

CONCORD, N.H. -- New Hampshire is about to become a test case for the accuracy of optical scan vote-counting machines because third-party presidential candidate Ralph Nader has asked for a recount.

The request covers the state's 11 precincts that use Diebold Inc.'s Accuvote optical scanning machines to count paper ballots, and depending on the results, his campaign could ask for recounts in other states, spokesman Kevin Zeese said Monday.
snip---
Backers urged Nader to request a recount after a statistical analysis posted on the Internet appeared to show that some New Hampshire precincts using the Accuvote machines gave President Bush up to 15 percent more votes than had been expected on the basis of exit polls and the 2000 presidential vote.
snip----
Secretary of State Bill Gardner has not set a date for the recount. His office is recounting state Senate and House races through Nov. 23, so the recount is unlikely to begin until after Thanksgiving.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/apelection_story.asp?category=1131&slug=Nader%20Recount

I really hope this is not a set-up.

[bullimiami]

1. all we can do is try

I think they expect to get away with it. I think the evidence is there.
If not and the exit polls were wrong then we eat crow.

If we find proof in NH we have a beginning.

[rodeodance]

2. you betcha!!!!

[Demit]

3. That's great! The article gives Ida Briggs her props. Thanks, Ida!

[dkofos]

4. I hope Bev Harris told them what to look for.

I just don't trust that they really know what to look for.
Hope I'm wrong.

[kilaana]

5. Thursday

Nader's web site claims the recount will begin on Thursday:

http://www.votenader.org/media_press/index.php?cid=411

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 16, 2004

Nader-Camejo Hand Recount in New Hampshire Begins Thursday

Washington, DC: The Nader-Camejo hand recount in New Hampshire will begin this Thursday

Nader-Camejo requested recounts in 11 wards where the results seemed anomalous in their support for President Bush and where the votes were counted on optical scan machines – primarily the Diebold AccuVote Machine. This Thursday five wards in Manchester and Litchfield will be recounted. The remaining six wards will be recounted soon.

The Nader-Camejo campaign received more than 2,000 faxes from citizens concerned about the vote count who urged the campaign to request a hand recount in New Hampshire. (Review the request for a hand recount in New Hampshire.)

“Voters need to have confidence that their vote is being counted accurately. A hand recount of suspect results will either rule out the possibility of machine error or show a discrepancy between the machine and the actual vote count – either way voters need to know,” said Nader. “Even in an election year with record turnout tens of millions of Americans did not vote. We need to give people a reason to vote and that begins with ensuring votes are counted accurately.”

Voting-rights groups and others have identified trouble spots and irregularities in several states, including Ohio, meriting further investigation. The Nader-Camejo campaign is working with voting rights activists on these concerns.

“Turning over the counting of votes to corporations gives new meaning to the term ‘corporate power,’” said Nader. “Three or four proprietary corporations being given the authority to count the vote on trade secreted software undermines the transparency of elections. With other obstructions and massive corporate campaign cash, they threaten the very foundation of our democracy – its elections.”

[brettdale]

6. Thursday's the day

I only hope they dont try to rig the recount as well.

[TexasSissy]

7. You can't REALLY recount a paperless computer vote, can you?

Or did NH use a paper trail?

When you "recount" a paperless computer election, you simply press the "count" button again,,,,,and you get the same result.