From trust everyone to trust no one
I’ve had some time to reflect on the Election Center
Workshop (see previous entry). Here’s some take-aways that
are on my mind:
- From
trust everyone to trust no one. We
can thank the debacles in Florida in 2000
and Ohio
in 2004 for eroding the public’s trust in voting systems and the voting
process. Throughout this same
period, the election process in Iowa and Linn County has retained its
integrity. I’m not saying it's
been perfect or that errors have not occurred. I’m saying that I’m unaware of any
attempts by anyone in Iowa or Linn County to tamper with the voting
systems and/or the voting processes with the intent to change the outcome
of an election. I trust you will –
in a nice way – correct me if I’m wrong.
- Backups,
backups, and more backups – Have backup plans in place. Backup personnel in place. Backup equipment available. A backup office to relocate to. Backup power. Backup phones. Backups to backups. Prepare for the worst – hope for the
best.
- Checklists
– Create them, borrow them, plagiarize them, use them – but don’t re-invent
them.
Again, these are some take-aways that are on my mind at
10:55pm on a Tuesday night. What’s on
your mind? --Joel @ 11:10pm