Update Feb. 12, 2004

 

Unfortunately, the state of PA has decided to delay the full implementation of a HAVA requirement for a state-wide database in time for the April presidential primary. 

 

The delay of SURE is reportedly mainly a reaction to a report on a review of the SURE database.  Some counties have also complained they have been experiencing problems with the SURE system.

 

The issue of delaying the statewide implementation of the SURE system is a crucial one.  The database was to be designed to aid counties to not only update and keep up on changes in address of voters and deceased voters, but was to help with the potential for fraud inherent in inaccurate voter registration lists on the local level.

 

The database is to be a tool to aid counties to clean voter registration rolls that over time have become inflated with the names of ineligible voters/electors.

 

The names of deceased people should immediately be removed from local voter registration lists.  There is no excuse when obituaries can easily be obtained from each and every local funeral home director, and/or from published newspaper obituaries.

 

This issue is just as important as the voter verified paper receipt which has been a major topic of internet discussion.

 

Many other counties in other states have faced similar "heavy-weight" in voter registration lists.

 

Many have not updated their listings because of fear of removing eligible voters, and potentially facing lawsuits.

 

Of course, that is a worthy approach, to be cautious.  However, the citizenry should not accept that as an excuse to obtain as clean a list of registrants as possible.

 

Please be informed on this matter before the Primary Election in your state. 

 

Fayette County, people should be aware that the county has installed the SURE system, and recently  completed inputting of digitalized voter registration signatures.

 

Unfortunately, the voter registration list was not purged of ineligible voters for several years before digitalized signatures were entered.

 

How can we trust a local voter registry of digitalized signatures which have not been checked against a list of ineligible names?

 

We cannot.

 

We must demand that our county board of commissoners take action immediately to begin the process to clean-up the local voter registration rolls of deceased, voters who have moved out of the state, or moved across county to another precinct. 

 

The process should include notification to voters who appear to fall into those categories that their names will be removed unless the election bureau receives confirmation of eligible status.

 

Read about the situation in Florida.

 

 

The county admits to the dangers of deadwood.