I have just read the article "Ohio Republicans Plan Holiday Burial for American Democracy" in the Dec. 6th Free Press (on Truthout).  The part about the disparity between the Dispatch poll and the outcome on the ballot issues sounds so very much like what happened in the Georgia Senatorial and Governor races in 2002 it is uncanny.  

It is pretty obvious that electronic touchscreen voting systems are the perfect vote rigging devices. "Irreverence is the champion of liberty, and its only sure defense."  The only safeguard I can see is for the press to conduct exit-type polls after the final tally to see how the polls square with the outcome.  If a number of polls were conducted after the election but before certification, it would be very difficult to argue against the integrity of numerous independent polls. 

Also another safeguard against electronic vote fraud is to get people to register for permanent absentee ballots. I realize that would require a change in your Ohio laws or voting rules, but it would be worth it.  Here in Washington State anyone can register as a permanent absentee voter for any reason, including convenience.  Currently a growing number of our state's counties, including mine, are becoming "vote-by-mail" only.  The voter participation rate has skyrocketed as a result, and the votes are all done on paper ballots, with most of the tallying done by optical scanners.  There is never a problem with recounts.

I do hope Ohio voters can derail the Diebold/Republican train that is speeding toward the derailing of American democracy.  What a shame to be known as the state that let the promise of democracy slip through the nation's fingers.