Hi George,

I would suggest that anyone concerned with the voting process should read the Washington Post today, August 23, editorial on the Maryland voting system. The Post favors a "paper trail" and criticizes Maryland for not moving to voting technology which permits this. The editorial also observes that more than 20 states have already moved in this direction.

During my campaign I was alerted to this issue by concerned local citizens.

I talked briefly to Mr. Sincere and Ms. Iachetta about the pros and cons of moving to a "paper trail" technology. My feeling was that both were confident that Charlottesville's system was secure without the paper trail.

I did observe that both of these officials were correct and responsive to the advocates for a paper trail, but, in my opinion, did suggest that the paper trail proponents were imagining conspiracies that were beyond the realm. The more I learned the more I was persuaded that a paper trail is both technologically and economically viable, and it would add an additional level of confidence in the democrtatic voting process.

I think Kevin's publicizing Mr. Sincere's testimony is a valuable addition to the discussion on voting security. I think this issue deserves more consideration than it has received.

Rich Collins (electronic mail, August 23, 2005)