Reacting to criticism of the inaccuracies and vulnerabilities of the Diebold Voting Machines mandated by the state, Governor Perry signed an executive order last month authorizing "computer enhanced voting" in Texas counties. The program is designed to eliminate close races and recounts by "redistributing" votes to the rightful candidates.
"This is a great day for democracy" said Texas House Speaker Tom Craddick. "We will now be able to know ahead of time who the people have democratically elected, even before the ballots are cast."
Others are not so sure. Democrat Julia Parker of Beaumont believes the computer enhanced voting may result in errors. She says the system needs more safeguards to ensure that each party is treated fairly in the vote redistribution process. Parker says she will introduce legislation that would regulate the process, and a bill to require known alcohol and tobacco users to register with their local police departments.