Just saw this on Slashdot.
It seems Microsoft has taken the side of the companies that make the voting machine, to fight transparency in elections. Microsoft's objection is because they do not want the code on the voting machines inspected.
Details are here : Microsoft Muscles the NYS Legislature
Discussion at slashdot is here
More from the link :
The 800 pound gorilla of software development has moved forcefully into New York State, supported by voting machine vendors using Microsoft Windows in their touch screen voting machines and other systems. Over the last two months Microsoft and a cadre of high paid lobbyists have been working a full-court press in Albany in an attempt to bring about a serious weakening of New York State election law. This back door effort by private corporations to weaken public protections is about to bear fruit.
The proposed amendment (pdf file)
Now the software giant has gone a step further, not just saying "we won't comply with your law" but actively trying to change state law to serve their corporate interests. Microsoft's attorneys drafted an amendment which would add a paragraph to Section 1-104 of NYS Election Law defining "election-dedicated voting system technology". Microsoft’s proposed change to state law would effectively render our current requirements for escrow and the ability for independent review of source code in the event of disputes completely meaningless - and with it the protections the public fought so hard for.
Is microsoft showing its evil side to the public now ? why do they want to get involved in e-voting if they do not want the release the source code.
Adding insult to injury, these changes are being slipped into a bill that may be voted on Monday or Tuesday, June 18 or 19.
Take action:
Take Action Now - It’s urgent that you call your State Senator and Assembly representatives on Monday, June 18, at their Albany offices, and tell them they must not weaken New York State’s escrow and review requirements. Remind them that the Legislature passed a strong law 2 years ago - they must not give in to pressure by voting machine vendors to undermine those protections.
Find your Assembly member’s contact information here:
http://www.assembly.state.ny.us/...
(Not sure who your Assembly member is? Click here to search by Zip Code)
Find your State Senator’s contact information here:
http://www.senate.state.ny.us/...
(Not sure who your State Senator is? Click here to search by Zip Code)