Thursday, October 30, 2008

Watch the Vote Election Night @ The Capitol Theatre

Public Invited to Watch an Historic Vote at an Historic Theatre in Downtown Davenport

Scott County Auditor Candidate Michael D. Elliott Hosts the FREE Event Open to the Public, All Candidates and Their Supporters

Davenport, IA - With record voter turn outs expected in counties across America the 2008 General Election will be considered historic for numerous reasons. The Elliott4Auditor Campaign is hosting an election watch party at the Capitol Theatre in downtown Davenport, IA from 8pm to Midnight, Tuesday November 4, 2008.

This event is free of charge and open to the public.

Michael Elliott, the independent candidate who aspires to be the next Scott County Auditor, encourages voters of every party to come together to watch this history making election in an historical theatre.

The election returns will be projected onto the massive 40' movie screen inside the gorgeous Capitol Theatre which seats 1500 in style and comfort.
The Capitol will have a cash bar and guests are welcome to make arrangements to bring complimentary food to share with their volunteers.

What: Watch the Vote w Michael Elliott for Scott County Auditor
Where: 330 W 3rd Street, Davenport, IA 52801
When: Tuesday, November 4, 2008 - 8pm to Midnight
FREE Admission

Note: All candidates on both sides of the river are encouraged to bring their campaign volunteers down to the Capitol for a night to remember.
Win or lose every candidate can celebrate an historic election in style at the Capitol Theatre.

For more info contact NVents, LLC, The Capitol Theatre
Lon Bozarth lon@n-vents.com / 563-326-8820

Visit www.Elliott4Auditor.com for more information on Michael D. Elliott Independent Candidate for Scott County Auditor.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Elliott Deemed "The Voters' Watchdog"

The River Cities' Reader newspaper's managing editor Jeff Ignatius wrote the following in a cover story last week entitled, The Voters’ Watchdog: Why Scott County Auditor Candidate Michael D. Elliott Deserves Your Attention:

"This is what makes Elliott the most intriguing local candidate in next month's election. He's an independent running for the type of office that's typically reserved for a loyal party soldier. His larger interest - upholding the Constitution - is much bigger than the Scott County auditor position he's seeking, but it reflects his seriousness as a candidate.

And considering that the right to vote is a constitutional right, there's a significant overlap between the two. Put simply, he's turned a campaign that was bound to be about personality and party into one about issues and political philosophy."

Read the full article here.

Elliott Endorsed by Reader & Conflicts the QC Times

Michael D. Elliott, the independent candidate for Scott County Auditor, was today endorsed by the River Cities' Reader newspaper's editor Kathleen McCarthy. Earlier this week the Quad City Times endorsed Elliott's opponent, Democratic candidate Roxanna Moritz.

The Reader stated that, "Elliott is the only candidate to take voting integrity seriously and not to take our current paper-ballot system for granted. Despite his opponents' unified efforts to cast Elliott's stance on protecting voting integrity in Scott County as irrelevant, Elliott has persevered and taken a committed stand on keeping previous auditor Karen Fitzsimmons' legacy for clean, successful elections intact by maintaining a paper-ballot system despite huge pressure from her own Democratic party.

With the unprecedented vote expected next Tuesday, Elliott's knowledge of, and commitment to, the continued use of paper ballots, including a post-election-audit policy, is monumentally reassuring. He demonstrates a keen sense of respect for the current staff in the auditor's office. His passion for the constitutionally protected right to vote should inspire confidence on the part of Scott County voters that is unmatched by his opponents."

Full Reader article can be read here.

Meanwhile, the Quad City Times had this to say about Elliott: "Elliott’s passion for government transparency and impatience with the status quo appealed to us. So did his prior work as a Wal-Mart manager, giving him the most experience of the trio in directing a large work force. His best idea: publicly displaying all county expenditures in real time on the Web, along with Web-accessible copies of all contracts. His campaign left us conflicted. He sponsored multiple screenings of a documentary that suggests scary voting fraud that Elliott confirms is definitely not happening here."

Full QCTimes article can be read here.


Elliott is hosting the final free public screening of the film "Uncounted - The New Math of American Elections" at the Figge Art Museum's Deere Auditorium this Thursday October 30 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Q&A will follow the eighty minute documentary by filmmaker David Earnhardt, which covers the controversies surrounding the 2002 and 2004 general elections in Florida and Ohio as well as the dangers facing election integrity amidst the rise of computerized electronic balloting.

While the QC Times was "conflicted" by this educational effort on Elliott's part, the candidate could not be more clear on his stance about voting integrity in Scott County, as evidenced by his own campaign website which states:

"This film is not by any means about what is going on in Scott County, which is one of the most reliable counties in Iowa," said Elliott. "Viewers of this film will have the knowledge of what problems will likely exist with an electronic balloting system, and why we need to ensure a paper ballot system instead."

Final Screening Thursday at the Figge

Education on Voting Rights Issues More Important Than Ever

Admission Free to the Documentary Film "Uncounted - The New Math of American Elections"


Michael Elliott, the independent Scott County Auditor candidate, is hosting the final free public screening of the film "Uncounted - The New Math of American Elections" at the Figge Art Museum's Deere Auditorium this Thursday October 30 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Q&A will follow the eighty minute documentary by filmmaker David Earnhardt, which covers the controversies surrounding the 2002 and 2004 general elections in Florida and Ohio as well as the dangers facing election integrity amidst the rise of computerized electronic balloting.
[Movie Trailer Available Here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nJz09T0HME ]


Elliott said he sought the permission of Mr. Earnhardt to showcase this film as an educational effort to create awareness about the risks of Scott County deviating from its current established and tested paper balloting system.

"This film is not by any means about what is going on in Scott County, which is one of the most reliable counties in Iowa," said Elliott. "Viewers of this film will have the knowledge of what problems will likely exist with an electronic balloting system, and why we need to ensure a paper ballot system instead."

The Elliott campaign is excited about the potential for this unique partnership to bring voting rights issues to the forefront during this election. "Mr. Elliott has a firm understanding of the critical issues surrounding election fraud and voter suppression," said Earrnhardt. The filmmakers encourage the sharing of this documentary much like book clubs, within neighborhood homes and, according to Earnhardt, "For the last nine months we have traveled to 40 cities with the documentary, using it as a tool to shed some much-needed light on the systemic problems inherent in our elections," says Earnhardt, "and Mr. Elliot's campaign supports this movement by educating people about the issue of election integrity."

The film's promotional material states: "Uncounted is an explosive documentary that shows how the election fraud that changed the outcome of the 2004 election led to even greater fraud in 2006 - and now looms as an unbridled threat to the outcome of the 2008 election. This controversial film examines in factual, logical, and yet startling terms how easy it is to change election outcomes and undermine election integrity. Noted computer programmers, statisticians, journalists, and experienced election officials provide the irrefutable proof."

The film screenings will be held every Thursday and Saturday prior to the election at area libraries and civic venues. The format will be a brief introduction from Mr. Elliott and a question and answer discussion after the eighty minute film.
"The film has a succinct call to action at the end that every voter can take part in and we are hopeful our campaign can help ignite the passion to get involved in this year's election process," says Elliott.

Elliott has positioned himself as the only non-partisan candidate for the Auditor's office and the only candidate who, to date, has been willing to take a stand for paper ballots in order to maintain the office's integrity and transparency. The result of this independent candidacy is an environment where both Democrats and Republicans have shown support for Elliott's campaign.

In late August, Michael D. Elliott successfully exceeded the requirement to be placed on the ballot by petition for the office of Scott County Auditor.

More information can be found at www.Elliott4Auditor.com or www.UncountedTheMovie.com

Thursday 10/30 6:30– 8:30 pm
Figge Art Museum, 225 W 2nd Street, Davenport, IA 52801

David Earnhardt contact info: Mary Mancini, mary@uncountedthemovie.com or 615-480-4678

Michael Elliott contact info: Elliott4Auditor@gmail.com or
contact Elizabeth Fier, Volunteer Coordinator at 563.676.4989

# # # END

Saturday, October 18, 2008

The Inspirations to Run

As your independent Scott County Auditor, I will:
Please Vote Tuesday November 4th!

More About Elliott's Campaign at Stewardship, Not Partisanship.

Friday, October 17, 2008

QCTimes Auditor Survey Answers

The Quad City Times submitted questions to the three candidates for Auditor.
Below are Michael Elliott's responses.

Why do you want to be Auditor?
I was reluctant to run at first, but was encouraged by people from a variety of political persuasions to run by petition and push for a non-partisan approach and ensure that we advocate paper ballots and transparency in the county. The Auditor's office is the hub of the entire county government and maintains the resources and processes that allow the people to hold their elected officials accountable. As a passionate advocate for open and transparent government at all levels, Scott County Auditor is an ideal role for me to play in serving our community.

How do you replace a person who was Auditor for 32 years?
Very carefully. Whoever follows in Karen Fitzsimmons' footsteps will succeed by establishing a culture of collaboration amongst staff, recognizing and supporting the most experienced and effective as leaders from within and leading by example. I see the role of auditor as one of stewardship. This includes maintaining and enhancing the safeguards in place to protect the integrity of the vote, keeping abreast of industry standards, technology and tools such as mapping and accounting software, as well as continuing membership and leadership where possible within county, state and national governmental associations related to the Auditor's office.

What, if any changes need to be made to the election process in Scott County?
We need to continue to strive for the paper ballot system with a credible audit to ensure the highest level of integrity and protection of our election process. This is the only way to ensure that future generations will enjoy fair, open and honest democratic procedures.

What more can be done to increase transparency in Scott County elections?
Having all paper ballot counts done out in the public view and ensuring a publicly documented chain of custody for all ballots would increase transparency in elections.

What steps as county auditor would you take to ensure that there is no fraud in the conduct of elections?
First, continue to disallow the use of privatized, paperless computerized balloting systems which have been referred to as "Black Box Voting." These systems lack transparency because they eliminate a paper ballot audit trail.
Establish a strong chain of custody procedure for the ballots and make it harder for people to possibly manipulate the election process by decentralizing the counting of ballots down to the precinct level. We also need to ensure that voters are identified properly while at the same time, not making it difficult for the people to exercise their voting rights.

What is your opinion of how the county auditor's office has implemented the provisions of the federal Help America Vote Act?
It seems that Scott County's Auditor's office has been ahead of the curve on implementing the goals of HAVA. My discontent is that HAVA didn't go far enough and call for a mandatory paper trail for all of the counties in our country. We have been fortunate enough to not have had an election system here in Scott county that created controversies like in Florida and Ohio, which was the driving force behind passing this act in the first place.

Outside of elections, where else can changes be made in how the Auditor's office is managed?
One would certainly strive to maintain the award winning accounting procedures within the Auditor's office.
It would be premature and presumptuous right now to determine specifics on managerial changes within the office. One would need to get to know all of the staff and determine strengths and weaknesses in order to lead effectively.
I believe it would be important to ensure we follow the open meeting laws and avoid closed sessions which only create suspicion among citizens about what their government is doing that requires secrecy. And, I think that we should evaluate the example of the Missouri Accountability Portal (MAP), which as their website describes, is a single point of reference to review how the people's money is being spent and other pertinent information related to the enforcement of government programs.

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Sign Sign Everywhere A Sign





























The Elliott4Auditor Campaign has been working hard creating large format signs and getting them installed throughout the high traffic areas in Scott County.
Do you have your yard sign yet?
Call 563.570.5395 or email Elliott4Auditor@gmail.com to request your sign today.
Spread the word about Michael Elliott and help get out the vote for the only independent candidate for Auditor this November 4th!

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Stewardship, Not Partisanship

Dear Scott County Voters,
I am running for the office of Scott County Auditor as an independent candidate, having successfully joined the ballot with nearly twice the required petition signatures.
The office of Scott County Auditor has been a non issue for almost thirty years.
We're hoping this campaign educates voters about the importance of the Auditor's office, and inspires citizens to cast a vote for the Auditor based on issues and candidates -- not party politics.

Due to the problems with election integrity in races across America (such as Ohio and Florida ) over the last decade, it is more important now than ever before, to protect the integrity of the voting process and the accurate transparent tallying of votes.

The Scott County Auditor is directly responsible for ensuring this integrity by maintaining standards of transparency.
The auditor is responsible for the method in which we vote, the accuracy and transparency of the outcome, record keeping and reporting.

There will be no grey areas and no issues that are not resolved accurately, professionally and honestly.

We are fortunate that Scott County's record has been exemplary on all of these issues for the last thirty years.
And we are also fortunate that Scott County has been lauded statewide as an example of stewardship for many years.

Apathy is commonplace in America with regards to voting. Many feel like their vote does not count -- and so they don't vote at all.
Our votes in Scott County count more than most people realize.
For example, in 2006, the 6th ward alderman race in Davenport was won by less than 10 votes -- and the voters in that ward trusted the results.
It is vital that this level of integrity is maintained.

My two opponents, Roxanna Moritz and Steve Ahrens, have only their partisanship as credentials -- and political career building as their motivations to run for Scott County Auditor. One is a sitting county supervisor with four years remaining on her term. The other is the fortunate winner of an unadvertised position with Davenport's Levee Commission -- after losing a mayoral bid two years ago.

As former city council members, both have been part of Davenport city council's past controversies, lack of transparency and catering to special interests. Neither is passionate about the integrity of the voting booth and neither is willing to state on the record what standards they will commit to for counting the votes in Scott County.

This notion that my opponents have -- that since they've been in politics before, no matter how unsuccessful, qualifies them for the next best political opportunity -- this is not in the best interest of the tax payers and voters.

My commitment is to open and transparent government, accountability to the people and a paper based post election audit process that maintains election integrity.
I am committed to educating Scott County voters and increasing voter participation.
I am committed to being a non-partisan leader and an accountable steward of the Scott County Auditor's office.

I would appreciate your vote for Scott County Auditor.

Sincerely,

Michael D. Elliott

More information about Michael Elliott's campaign for Scott County Auditor can be found at: http://www.elliott4auditor.com/

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Yes, I will take a yard sign please!


We have 18"x24" yard signs with wire stands. If you can put one in your yard or at your place of business, please check the box below and submit so we can get a sign delivered ASAP.



Phone:

Address:

Precinct #: (if you know it)

City: State: Zip:





Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Meet Michael Elliott

What: Meet the Candidate
Who: Michael Elliott for Scott County Auditor
When: Wednesday September 17
5pm to 8pm
Where: Bier Stube - Village of East Davenport
2228 E 11th St | Davenport, IA 52803

Come down to the Village of East Davenport and meet the independent candidate for Scott County Auditor, Michael D. Elliott.
Mr. Elliott will be available to discuss his motivations for running, the responsibilities of the Auditor's Office and his vision for transparency in Scott County.
More information on the campaign and candidate can be found at:
www.Elliott4Auditor.com


View Larger Map

[ Paid for by Elliott4Auditor 2008 ]

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Elliott Joins the Ballot for Scott County Auditor

Candidate hosts first brown bag lunch at Lincoln Park this Friday.

Davenport, IA - On Tuesday August 26, 2008, Michael D. Elliott filed the necessary affidavit to run for Scott County Auditor. Elliott submitted over 490 signatures, exceeding the minimum 250 required for placement on the ballot by petition for the contested office of auditor.
Elliott is a small business owner in west Davenport. His candidacy offers voters an alternative to his two opponents, Steve Ahrens and Roxanna Morritz, both of whom are highly partisan and unqualified for the position of auditor.
Elliott is committed to the rule of law for the citizens of Scott County. He has studied the federal, and state constitutions as well as the relevant codes for Scott County voting rights. Elliott is committed to ensuring that the auditor’s fair, transparent and inclusive thirty-year record is maintained.
Elliott’s supporters claim that neither of his two-party opponents promise such continuity, and that Elliott is the only candidate that can be trusted to place the interest of Scott County voters first, create more public awareness of voting rights issues, while providing the effective non partisan stewardship the office requires.

Elliott will be hosting a brown bag lunch this Friday to talk about voting in Scott County and recruiting volunteers to help with an educational film series and targeted door-to-door canvassing. Interested citizens are encouraged to bring their lunch and enjoy the sweeping river views from the park and learn more about Michael D. Elliott.
Mr. Elliott will be available for discussion and interviews at Lincoln Park at the foot of the Arsenal Bridge in downtown Davenport, 2nd Street from Noon to 1:30 p.m. this Friday, August 29, 2008.

For more information contact volunteer coordinator Elizabeth Fier at 563.676.4989.

Auditor Candidate Campaign Disclosure Reports

Independent Michael D. Elliott Oct 19 Campaign Disclosure Report

Republican Steve Ahrens Oct 19 Campaign Disclosure Report

Democrat Roxanna Moritz Oct 19 Campaign Disclosure Report

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Elliott files petition to run for county auditor

(from the Quad City Times)

By Kurt Allemeier | Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Saying he wants to provide more competition and an option outside traditional political parties, a Davenport man will be added to the ballot for Scott County auditor without a party affiliation in November.

Michael Elliott, 32, filed a petition Tuesday with 493 signatures. Even though he is a registered Republican, he will appear on the ballot listed as “nominated by petition.”

He joins Democrat Roxanna Moritz and Republican Steve Aherns on the ballot. The county auditor’s seat is open after the death in April of longtime incumbent Karen Fitzsimmons. Wes Rostenbach, who was appointed auditor after Fitzsimmons’ death, is not seeking election to the post. The auditor position’s salary is $74,200.

Elliott, who runs a computer electronics company out of his home, said he intends to focus his campaign on the need for appropriate checks on the collection and tabulation of votes. He sees the auditor as a stewardship position that shouldn’t be partisan.

He’s heard positive comments about his candidacy from people who want someone outside the two major parties to provide some competition.

“I have support from Republicans and Democrats who aren’t straight-ticket voters,” he said. “There are some people who like seeing the competition.”

He was a volunteer leader in Scott County for Ron Paul’s bid for president. Paul ran as a Republican.

Kurt Allemeier can be contacted at (563) 383-2360 or kallemeier@qctimes.com.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Independent works to get into Scott County auditor race

(from the Quad City Times)

By Ed Tibbetts
| Thursday, August 14, 2008

A Davenport man who says he wants to raise awareness about dangers to the integrity of the country’s voting process says he is running for Scott County auditor.

Michael Elliott, 32, of 1906 W. 3rd St., has been circulating petitions to run for the office as an Independent. Already, the Republicans and Democrats have nominated candidates.

Elliott, who runs a computer electronics company out of his home, said he intends to focus his campaign on the need for appropriate checks on the collection and tabulation of votes.

“There’s a lot of ways the system can be manipulated,” he said.

Elliott said Iowa’s election system is clean but that it must safeguard against encroachments that could damage its credibility.

In recent years, especially since the disputed 2000 presidential election, critics have raised questions about the country’s patchwork of election laws and systems. For the most part, state statutes govern the means of electing people for local, state and federal offices.

“Specifically, we’re looking to have somebody run in the auditor position who is liberty minded,” said Elliott, who county records say is a registered Republican.

He also was a volunteer leader in Scott County for Ron Paul’s bid for president. Paul ran as a Republican.

The county auditor’s seat is open this election following the death in April of longtime incumbent Karen Fitzsimmons.

The county Republican Party has nominated former Davenport Alderman Steve Ahrens to run for the office, while Democrats chose Scott County Supervisor Roxanna Moritz.

The auditor’s office, in addition to supervising elections, also is the clerk to the county board.

The deadline for independent candidates to file is Aug. 27. Elliott hadn’t yet collected the requisite number of signatures to get on the ballot but said he will do so by the deadline. Two-hundred and fifty signatures are required.

Ed Tibbetts can be contacted at (563) 383-2327 or etibbetts@qctimes.com.