[clue-talk] SB-079 and open source

[Charles Oriez]

I was just at the state capitol testifying for AITP on SB 79, the bill to 
provide for an auditable paper trail for voting machines in Colorado 
elections. One of the voting machine manufacturers was quite perturbed that 
the bill would make his code open to public inspection.  Much rending of 
hair and knashing of teeth ensued over how to protect proprietary software.

I calmly raised my hand and suggested that the easiest solution is to 
require that all voting machines be limited to using open source.  Problem 
solved, in my view. I pointed out that the strongest known Zimmerman's PGP, 
which is open source, and public scrutiny in no way interfered with his 
ability to turn out good code.  Needless to say, the reaction to what I 
said was not universally favored.

Now might be a good time for people to contact their state senators and 
sing the virtues of open source for voting machines.

http://vote-smart.org to get the name and address of your state 
senator.  The bill is still in committee in the chamber of origin, so there 
is some time.  Standard address is State Capitol, Denver 80203.



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