[zugi]

> I dont view writing my vote on paper and scanning it to be paper voting if it's just immediately fed into a computer.

The paper ballots are retained for recounts, and most places with this system automatically recount a random subset of the paper ballots to ensure it matches the computer totals. This guards against both shenanigans and mistakes. For security the scanning machines are not networked! A person carries around a little SD card (not USB as it's too hackable) to collect the totals.

The paper ballot with in-precinct immediate scanning system is the best system I've seen. It reports results quickly and leaves a full paper trail for recounts and accountability.

[wesgarrison]

They are USB on the machines we use. That said, that’s not a concern to me.

The machine also prints a paper tally that goes with it to verify. We used sealed bags so they can’t be messed with in transit. They tabulate the results and compare it to the total from the tape. Personally, I wish there was a hash of the results that would make it simple to say “yep, that’s the same” but practically that’s not necessary.

A second copy of the receipt goes back separately with the paper ballots. Same sealing and chain of custody handoffs.

I like the electronic ballot marking device. I can understand the argument that they’re not worth the cost, though.