Ellen Theisen MA - Voting Machines - ProCon.org

ProCon.org

Voting Machines

ProCon.org



RSS \| Share \| Email \| Print

Voting Machines Home

Featured Resources

1-Minute Overview

Do electronic voting machines improve the voting process?

Top 10 Pros and Cons

Historical Timeline

+ Pros and Cons by Issue

Projects

Voting Systems & Use

Slot Machines vs. Electronic Voting Machines

How to Vote on an Electronic Voting Machine

Learn More

Source Biographies

Notices Archive

Readers' Comments

+ Additional Resources

Sign up for free
email updates

Name:	Ellen Theisen, MA
Title:	CEO of The Vote-PAD Company
Position:	Con to the question "Do electronic voting machines improve the voting process?"
Reasoning:	"Errors and malfunctions are inescapable with electronic election equipment, just as they are with any other type of mechanical or electronic device. Failures of paperless Direct Recording Electronic (DRE) systems almost always leave unanswered questions." Myth Breakers: Facts About Electronic Elections, 2005
Theoretical Expertise Ranking:	Experts Election officials, people with post-graduate degrees in a computer or political science, JD's, Members of Congress, or elected officials with significant involvement in, or related to, electronic voting machine issues.
Involvement and Affiliations:	CEO, The Vote-PAD Company, 2005-present Software technical writer, 1983-present Founder and Executive Director, Voters Unite!, 2004-2005 Staff of VerifiedVoting.org, 2003-2004
Education:	MA, Religious Studies, Arizona State University BA, Mathematics, University of Colorado, Boulder
Contact Info:	Phone: None found Fax: None found E-Mail: ellen@vote-pad.us Website: www.vote-pad.us
Select Publications:	Myth Breakers: Facts About Electronic Elections, 2005
Other:	None found
Also Quoted in:	1. Is it possible to have a meaningful recount from an electronic voting machine? 2. Do electronic voting machines accurately capture voter intent? 3. Did electronic voting machines work well in the November 7, 2006 General Election? 4. Are electronic voting machines accessible to disabled voters? 5. What are the ongoing and long-term costs associated with electronic voting machines? 6. How much does it cost to purchase an electronic voting machine? 7. If a software 'patch' is installed, are electronic voting machines re-tested prior to being used on Election Day? 8. Is Logic and Accuracy testing an effective method of assuring that electronic voting machines are operating properly before an election? 9. Is qualification testing conducted by independent and accredited entities? 10. What is the difference between qualification testing and certification testing? 11. Are votes cast on electronic voting machines stored in a manner that preserves voter anonymity? 12. Did electronic voting machines in the 2000 and 2004 elections give an advantage to a particular political party or a candidate from a particular party? 13. What is ballot definition? 14. What is electronic voting machine source code? 15. Do voters who use electronic voting machines find them easy to use? 16. What is a software 'patch'? 17. If there is a power failure during an election conducted on electronic voting machines will voting still be possible? 18. Is there an effective method in place to assure the accuracy of ballot definition files? 19. Does the Help America Vote Act of 2002 in effect mandate the use of electronic voting machines?