This is a very simple call for people to demand paper ballots in the 2006 elections.
I think that the single most important thing ordinary citizens could do to help ensure truly free elections this year is to use a paper ballot. Go to the early voting offered basically everywhere, tell them that you do not trust the machines, and demand the paper ballot. I think that in most states you can do this well before election day - even at night or on Saturday. I know you can here in Virginia - I did it in 2004.
In 2004, my wife and I voted using paper ballots in Virginia, which (at least in our county) is a electronic ballot state). How ? Before the election, we went down to the county election office and demanded paper absentee ballots. (They had an electronic machine right there for our "convenience," but we requested and got paper absentee ballots.) I believe that there are similar laws in most if not all states, primarily intended for people who are shut-ins, are on extended travel, etc. But it is also my understanding that you do not have to swear that you ARE a shut-in, on extended travel, etc., in any state. I know in Virginia you do not (I read the ballot request very carefully).
I predict that if only a few percent of the voters did this, at least the local election officials (who tend to be good, patriotic, citizens) will wake up and start questioning the reliance on the machines, which are totally untrustworthy. And, maybe, just maybe, by making your vote impossible to steal, you will help vote into power the candidates you want, not the candidates the machine makers want.
Here is a simple way to put it - would you trust an ATM that could be so easily hacked ? Would you trust an ATM maker that had boasted about being able to steal your money ? No ? Then why trust such a voting machine ? Isn't your vote more important than a $ 20 withdrawal ? Then avoid the lines, vote early, and use a paper ballot.