I've an idea for creating a paper-trail

[Jasper 91]

In Florida and other places using the voting machines that don't print a record of your vote . On site there should be people taking the details of every person who has voted for John Kerry . Then every person who has given their details should sign an affidavit before a lawyer and witnesses to confirm that they have voted for John Kerry .

If every single person who has voted , then signs an affidavit to this effect , then this should count in the event of a recount and also to tally that the votes add up and ensure that the machines have counted all the votes .

[Not Me]

1. Florida law prohibits anyone not affiliated with the Board of Elections

from being within 50 feet of the building where polling takes place.
Logistically, your solution may be difficult to implement.

[Jasper 91]

2. Florida law

Also states that ALL votes must counted in the event of a recount . Are they going to sue themselves ?

I also think Jeb should pay for these lawyers out of the HAVA funds he received to implement improvements to the electoral process .

[alonso_quijano]

3. could backfire terribly

While many people are proud of their votes, many others feel that the secret ballot is important on principle, and refuse to reveal their votes.

This will only be compounded by this year's election, which is horribly divisive, and on which we depend on getting votes from people who might not be big fans of Kerry.

Consider a married couple, one of whom is a thoughtful conservative and the other a knuckle-dragging freeper. The conservative would probably prefer to conceal her (Kerry) vote, for household peace if not personal safety.

This method wouldn't record all the Kerry votes; it might not even get half of them. We would be providing an undercount, which (of course) would be used against us (and Kerry, and democracy) by the armies of GOP lawyers just waiting to Floridize this election.

We've got to get a paper trail, but I don't think this is the way.

[Jasper 91]

4. There's away to get around your worries .

If everyone who votes , regardless of who they voted for , has to sign an affidavit stating their vote . This should be done in a secluded area , where their statement could not be heard by those waiting .

As for the people who on principle would not state their choice , there is as much chance they would be Republican as Democratic , so nothing is lost . Though in this case , their having voted should still be noted to ensure that the total votes cast , corresponds to the total votes counted .

[shraby]

5. Just dropping a piece of paper in a box

with your choice of president and v. president on it after you vote would be better than nothing..if you didn't vote you don't get the piece of paper.