Illinois statute requires pre-testing of all election equipment prior to each election. This is a public test to assure that each machine correctly casts test votes for each item on the ballot. This is a public event, open to FOIA and to being recorded. (Section 24c-9)

For some ‘mysterious’ reason, elected Democrat, Cook County Clerk David Orr, has refused Defend the Vote access to record or photograph any aspect of this pubic event.

Their reason? They gave none. Perhaps it is too much to think they would care about the public’s rights when they completely disregard the rights of 3/4 of the nursing home residents who rely on them to administer safe and honest elections. Following election code is not David Orr’s talent.

So what was the reason? In a face to face meeting on Friday, they gave none. We are not worthy of an explanation. Just a no! No offer to compromise or attempt to find a solution. After they said “no” in response to my protest, they said, “we are busy and can’t talk anymore.”

David Orr’s elections – all conducted in the secrecy of the back room. So what else is new? This point is worthy of the fight. The public has the right to view these public testing of our election equipment and nothing restricts that access to being physically present. (read the letter below the fold)

From: Sharon Meroni [mailto:]
Sent: Saturday, October 27, 2012 3:13 PM
To: 'David Orr; 'Jan Kralovec'; 'Clem Balanoff'; 'Noah Praetz'; James Scanlon
Subject: URGENT ELECTION MATTER
Importance: High

Attention David Orr:

On Friday, October 26^th, Noah Praetz and Clem Balanoff turned down my request to videotape the testing of the election equipment during the ongoing Pre-LAT testing.

The purpose of my taping is for public information related to election security. This is a public event and I assert my right to video tape.  When General Counsel James Scanlon, of the Chicago Board of Elections Commissioners,  had to address this issue, General Counsel Scanlon, upon reviewing the legal issues,  found that indeed I did have a right to videotape.  Consequently, they scheduled a special PreLAT testing to assure the public’s rights to access were not abridged.

Because of the urgency of this matter, I require a response by the end of the day.  I am available to attend testing on Sunday.

Respectfully,

Sharon Meroni