Editorial: AU online voting venture worth looking into for state

The time is now for Alabama to take special measures in fighting voter fraud.

That’s why it’s especially noteworthy that Auburn University has teamed with San Diego firm Everyone Counts to create a better means to hold online elections for those who cannot make it to their respective polling places.

As reported in Thursday’s edition of the Opelika-Auburn News, Auburn Associate Professor Dr. Juan Gilbert has teamed with computer science and software engineering students to develop new technology that will allow anyone to vote, regardless of ability or location. Everyone Counts has worked toward the same goal.

One of the most important aspects of voting is accuracy.

In the past, it’s been difficult for some to trust voting systems, particularly the ones that collect absentee votes. That’s why it’s so important and interesting to see one that could gain public trust be developed right here.

Just last week, we saw Alabama Attorney General Troy King seize voting records in Perry, Bullock and Lowndes counties to investigate potential problems during the June 3 primaries.
Wednesday, Alabama Secretary of State Beth Chapman formed a special unit specially designed to handle voter fraud.

Voting for the leadership that will shape our state and nation is one of the greatest freedoms we enjoy and gives taxpaying citizens a sense of ownership in their government. We cannot afford to have false elections.

It is time for voting methods in Alabama to embrace new technology and move into the 21st century.

We look forward to seeing if this partnership bears fruit in Montgomery.