Uncle Jaque and Others

Crazy as they were, the ballot design in Palm Beach was approved by the various parties on the ballot. And printed by one of the handful of companies certified by the State to do such. They were also certified by the State Division of Elections (who work for our very Republican Secretary of State) so this wasn't a southern version of Boss Daley engineering the election.

As to the butterfly ballots themselves, that is probably the least expensive of the "automated systems" to use. My County switched last year. It cost several hundred thousand, plus training and other conversion costs. For Palm County to convert would have been significantly more expensive. Given the wealth in the County, I wonder why they didn't as they are a fairly wealthy County.

The optical system is more reliable, but even it has a failure rate. Touch Screens are considered the most reliable but also the most expensive and temperamental. Our optical system performed perfectly. No discrepancy between the initial count and the recount

If you're looking for a conspiracy, please remember we have a Republican Governor and Legislature, and the State Division of elections is controlled by a Republican Secretary of State, all of whom exercise fairly significant control. I don't think Palm Beach is a Charter County which gives the State even more control. And while, the Supervisor of Elections is a Democrat the County Commission (who'd have to pay for a new system) is controlled by the Republicans. Hardly fertile ground for a Democratic Conspiracy.

In 1960, the hand recounts in Illinois (requested by the Republicans) lasted until mid-December. And changed nothing. And unlike the Daley Machine, the recounts in Florida are being done "in the sunshine" with multiple observers from both parties. You can watch it on TV. There are a very few governmental proceedings that are not required to take place publically. As I understand the system in Canada, there is no similar requirement under law. Not sure about Maine but I seem to recall a friend complaining that the local Council used to hold a caucus before the public meeting to "work things out". Such is illegal in our backward State.

Regards

John