do the Germans vote on Diebold machines?

[donsu]

nt

[MI Cherie]

1. I've wondered ...

... the same thing!

[DemsUnited]

2. Probably not. Schroeder was running on a "we need to keep an

eye on the marauding US" platform (oh, the irony) while Merkel was running on a "let's repair our relationship with the US" line so Diebold would go for Merkel.

Now, Merkel was way ahead in pre-election polling, but Schroeder made an amazing turnaround in actual election.

Pre-election polling, preKatrina. Election, postKatrina.

Just saying.

[CottonBear]

3. They use paper ballots and citizens count the votes . n/t

[enigma-e]

4. That's how it's done in most states, but...

... in some larger electoral districts (mainly urban centers), automated machines are used. But we certainly won't ever use the Diebold crap! ;)

[donsu]

5. well, a machine is a machine - it doesn't have to be named Diebold

nt

[enigma-e]

7. True, but...

... Germany is not some banana republic. There is no way the election results are manipulated, if that's what you mean.

If even the slightest doubt would fall on any German party rigging elections, that party would be finished and done with.

[CottonBear]

6. That is excellent news. I wish that we used ALL paper ballots in the USA.

I lived in Germany as a little child. My parents loved living there. I have traveled there twice since the time I was little. What a lovely country! It was just beautiful, especially Bavaria and Munich.