posted 04-22-2004 10:04 AM            

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DIEBOLD VOTING MACHINES COMING UNDER MORE SCRUTINY
But the California secretary of state's office on Wednesday accused Diebold of computer glitches, late software fixes and poor service that "jeopardized the outcome of the March election." And a state voting systems panel is considering disciplinary action that could include fines or a ban on Diebold machines in the state.
(Associated Press)

http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/mld/myrtlebeachonline/business/8489176.htm

Myrtle Beach Online

Posted on Thu, Apr. 22, 2004

CEO says voting machine review shouldn't hurt company

M.R. KROPKO
Associated Press

NORTH CANTON, Ohio - The leader of Diebold Inc. said Thursday that he doesn't expect California's review of its electronic voting machines to hurt the company.

The California secretary of state's office has accused Diebold of computer glitches, late software fixes and poor service that jeopardized the March election. The state is considering disciplinary action against Diebold's Texas-based Diebold Election Systems subsidiary.

Chairman and CEO Walden W. O'Dell told reporters after an annual shareholders meeting that the company is not considering getting out of the elections business. Diebold also makes automated teller machines.

"We will help in California if we are allowed. If we are not, we won't," O'Dell said. "I think whatever goes on in California is separate from what goes on in other states. Each state will make their own decisions."

About 150 shareholders attended Thursday's meeting. None raised questions about Diebold's election systems.

O'Dell spoke briefly during the meeting about the systems, which have drawn nationwide scrutiny. He said the North Canton-based company remains confident that the machines are safe and secure.

About 35 people concerned about voting security protested outside the meeting.

posted 04-22-2004 04:07 PM            

Panel recommends ban on computer voting system in four counties

DECISION THAT WOULD AFFECT NOVEMBER ELECTION RESTS WITH SECRETARY OF STATE SHELLEY

By Elise Ackerman

KNIGHT RIDDER SACRAMENTO BUREAU

SACRAMENTO - An advisory panel unanimously recommended this morning that Secretary of State Kevin Shelley ban use of a computerized voting system in four California counties.

The panel also called on state Attorney General Bill Lockyer to open a criminal investigation into the conduct of Diebold Election Systems, the Ohio-based firm that manufactured the touch-screen system.

The advisory panel had convened a two-day hearing in Sacramento on Wednesday to review a report that Diebold had jeopardized the March primary by selling an untested and poorly functioning election system in California.

The recommendation to decertify Diebold's TSx balloting system, if adopted, would force officials in San Joaquin, Solano, San Diego and Kern counties to find alternative ways to count votes for the November presidential election.