During the 2006 election in Florida, electronic voting machines may have "undercounted" to the tune of 18,000 votes in Sarasota County. But because the new machines were not designed to provide paper receipts, there is no way to double check the vote.

Now, Senator Dianne Feinstein of California has taken action. Last week, she asked the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to investigate electronic voting systems that do not provide voter-verified paper ballots. Senator Feinstein specifically highlighted the problems in Florida, and asked for a "top to bottom investigation".

"Should the GAO become aware of any systems that are prone to software malfunctions, are susceptible to fraud, or use hardware design that would lead to voting system problems, I would request that you also inspect those systems," writes Senator Feinstein.

EFF and a coalition of voting integrity groups, representing Sarasota County voters, have filed suit in state court in Tallahassee asking for a re-vote in Florida's 13th congressional district. To find out more about EFF's work defending your right to vote, visit our E-voting page.

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