Ha, after TWO months, i finally heard back from Sen. Lautenberg of NJ

[New Earth]

here is his reply - it's ok i think. at least he acknowledges problems with voting machines, and not just voter supression.



January 31, 2005


Ms. Faye *****
(address)
Westville, NJ 08093

Dear Faye:

Thank you for contacting me about election reform and the pending
investigation of the 2004 election by the Government Accountability Office
(GAO). I appreciate hearing from you on this important issue. Despite some
progress in recent years, there is still much work to be done to ensure fair and
accurate elections nationwide.

All adult Americans have the right to vote, but many fail to
exercise that right. The right to vote must be enhanced and voter participation
increased to ensure that our democracy thrives. The right to vote is
fundamental in the United States, and our political process depends on education
and participation. Sadly, too many Americans have been denied the right to vote
and have their vote counted.

To combat this, I began efforts in the early 1990s by cosponsoring
the "National Voter Registration Act" (NVRA), or the so-called "Motor-Voter
Bill," signed into law in 1993. It required States to establish voter
registration procedures for federal elections so that eligible citizens may
apply to register to vote (1) simultaneously while applying for a driver's
license; (2) by mail; and (3) at selected State and local offices that serve the
public.

More recent legislation has also helped us make some progress on
this front. In 2002, the "Help America Vote Act" (HAVA) authorized $3.9 billion
for election reform, with $3 billion to help States meet new federal
requirements, and improve voting systems and administration. In addition to
establishing new requirements, HAVA also established a new federal Election
Assistance Commission (EAC), which is chaired by former New Jersey Secretary of
State, Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr. In October of 2003, I joined my colleagues
in providing HAVA with $1.5 billion in funding for Fiscal Year 2004. I
supported increased funding for HAVA in the Fiscal Year 2004
Treasury-Transportation Appropriations bill. HAVA will continue to open doors
to new voters and encourage their participation while protecting the integrity
of our system. I will continue to fight hard to ensure that HAVA is adequately
funded.

I am glad the GAO is investigating complaints of several systemic
problems with the 2004 election and I look forward to the agency’s findings and
report. The GAO will examine "the security and accuracy of voting technologies,
distribution and allocation of voting machines and counting of provisional
ballots." We must encourage ongoing efforts to improve our voting and election
process. It is my hope that this GAO investigation will help that effort.

Thank you again for contacting me.

[Shawneedaughter]

1. "systemic problems with the 2004 election" ???

....I guess that is a beginning, hope he will do more on this particular issue.

In the late 80's I had the opportunity to walk door to door with Senator Lautenberg during his campaign. When you spend an afternoon knocking on doors, you see a different side. Not the "Hi, I'm Frank and I'd like your vote' side. I have to say, he was a really nice man and we discussed a lot of issues facing New Jersey at the time. His response was ALWAYS helpful. You have a good guy there, IMHO.

Stay in touch with his staff, there must be further action on voter manipulation.

[marions ghost]

2. yes my advice too

when you have one at least as receptive as this, you might want to stay in touch and make the case further...

[Wilms]

3. Good to know.

Welcome to DU.

So you are aware, 'round here, we don't really call it voter manipulation (unless your referring to O bin L tapes showing up before the election.

We call it "Election Fraud". You can check with Faye and she'll confirm that!

Welcome.

[Shawneedaughter]

5. thanks

....for the welcome.

Election Fraud works, I also like criminal behavior. ;) Is that OK?

I was working in environmental issues with Lautenberg and his staff and I will say he/they were receptive and helpful in getting legislation in place.

[troubleinwinter]

4. Yeah, his response does not seem too bad. ?

He does mention these issues:

"the security and accuracy of voting technologies"

"distribution and allocation of voting machines and counting of provisional ballots"

But he apears to be hanging his hat entirely the GAO investigation, which will likely be useless.