The Pro V&V report and ELECT's investigation raise very serious questions about the security of WinVote machines. Quite simply, election security is of paramount concern and we urge the Board to consider decommissioning these machines. We can't wait for a catastrophic problem to occur. The WinVote machines are insecure and adversely affect the ability of every eligible Virginia voter to know his or her vote will be counted. 

While we understand decommissioning these machines may raise financial questions for the localities where they are in use, the threat to election security should override these concerns. The WinVote machines are over a decade old and in that time technology has advanced. In fact, the manufacturer has since gone out of business and no longer provides software updates. We understand Virginia is the only state still utilizing WinVote machines, we assume due to their outdated technology and the tendency of the machines to malfunction and break down as they age. 

We appreciate the Board taking the time to consider the repercussions of both continued use and decommissioning the WinVote machines and the opportunity for public comment. We strongly urge the Board to move to immediately decommission these machines to protect the integrity of our elections and ensure they remain free, fair, and accessible.