Maryland election official cites concern over Diebold computerized system.

[jackson]

I voted this afternoon in a heavily Democratic precinct in Montgomery County, Md. As I was about to vote with the electronic system, I asked an election official if they had a way to check people's votes through a paper backup.

The official said no, and then in a low voice so no one else would hear, added, "And that really makes us nervous, with Diebold as the owner of that system."

Diebold Election Systems is the Republican-owned company that manufactures machines and counts votes. Walden O'Dell, chief executive of Diebold, wrote in a recent fund-raising letter that he is "committed to helping Ohio deliver its electoral votes to the president next year." O'Dell is a top fundraiser for the Bush campaign.

In addition, some computer experts say the Diebold system is subject to cyber attacks and manipulation, besides the partisan monkey business. In 2003, Maryland spent more than $55 million for the system, which was unsuccessfully challenged in court.

Last month, a Democratic slate of candidates failed to appear on the touchscreens in one Maryland county's municipal election.

On several races today, such as judges, party affiliations were left out so in those races I had to not vote since I didn't know who was a Democrat or not. Yeah, I should have read up on those races, but I've been a little focused on the presidential one lately.

It's not likely that Maryland will go for Bush. But if the state does, you can point the finger at Diebold. And if Ohio goes for Bush, something is also fishy.