2004 Ballot Recount: Observer Report

• December 15, 2004:
  Report by Green Party Observer

December 15, 2004:
Report by Green Party Observer

The recount began at approximately 9am. Witness J examined the poll books and signature books. Witness B also was present.

Following are notes on the recount procedure deployed with the Microvote voting machine.

• All absentee and provisional ballots are optical scan using paper ballots.
• All regular ballots cast at polls are cast on the microvote machines and are recorded on permanent memory cartridge, with random printing on paper tape.
• Test ballots and test cartridge processed through reader.
• Hand recount of absentee and provisional ballots was done and scanned with no discrepancy.
• Full machine count of all absentee and provisional ballots (4309) then performed, with ballots cast tabulated at 4281. Board of Elections employee stated that the discrepancy was within the margin of error.
• Tabulation of cartridges experienced computer malfunction during data reading optical scan ballots. Computer would freeze, necessitating rebooting and rechecking ballot count.
• Cartridges were then read and all optical scan and cartridge data combined for a summary report.
• Permanent paper audit trails inside machine not available to witnesses, available audit trails matched within margin of error.
• Poll and signature examination detailed in witness's report.