To the Point
Will Next Month's Elections Be Free and Fair?
Electronic voting is the latest device to make sure that elections are free and fair, but new technology means new opportunities for rigging the outcome. Is partisanship a worse threat than incompetence and mismanagement? Are ID cards needed to prevent voter fraud? Plus, an update on the Esperanza Fire in California’s Riverside County, and the New Jersey Supreme Court gives gay rights new prominence on the campaign trail.
By Warren Olney • • 1h 0m ListenElectronic voting is the latest device to make sure that elections are free and fair, but new technology means new opportunities for rigging the outcome. Is partisanship a worse threat than incompetence and mismanagement?Are ID cards needed to prevent voter fraud? Plus, an update on the Esperanza Fire in California’s Riverside County, and the New Jersey Supreme Court gives gay rights new prominence on the campaign trail.
In this episode
3 storiesThe Integrity of the Ballot Box
After Florida's contested presidential election in 2000, Congress mandated a transition to electronic voting. In 2004, new technology caused confusion and controversy, as hundreds of different counties struggled with new machines and programs. Next month, some experts are saying, the electoral process will be more chaotic than ever.
Read the story1 minNJ Ruling on Gay Marriage Fuels Election Campaigns
The New Jersey Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday that same-sex couples have the same legal rights and financial benefits as heterosexual couples, but said legalizing gay and lesbian marriage is for the legislature to decide. Nevertheless, the ruling has energized opponents of gay marriage in this year's campaigns.
Read the story1 minArson Becomes Murder in Southern California's Esperanza Fire
Four firefighters are dead and another is fighting for his life combating the so-called " Esperanza Fire " in Southern California's Riverside County. Officials say that makes arson a case of murder. Meantime, high winds are pushing the fire into mountain communities west of Palm Springs.
Read the story1 min
