| 6300 beads
representing the precincts in a New Jersey Governor election; 10% of
the beads are blue, representing fraudulent voting machines. A 1%
sample (63 beads) is shown; it is extremely likely to
include at least one blue bead (in this case the sample has 7 blue
beads), and thus the audit will catch some of the
fraudulent machines (triggering, in principle, a wider recount and a
forensic investigation). |
100 marbles representing the precincts of a city mayoral
election; 10% of the marbles are blue representing fraudulent voting
machines. A 1% sample is shown (one marble); it's unlikely
that a 1% sample will include any blue marbles. While a 1% audit works well
for statewide races, it does not suffice for local or legislative-district
elections. (Photos: Alex Halderman) |