Imagine running a race, say a cross-country 5k. You cross the finish line first in record time, stagger off to get a drink and catch your breath. When you go over to the score-board you see that your time was switched with someone else, and they are handing him the 1st place trophy. You think to yourself “what the heck?!” A few people standing around say “yeah, he crossed first.” You look at the guy and he’s not winded at all, no sweat stains either. You KNOW he didn’t finish the race first, and likely didn’t even run it all the way. You protest, but most of the fans at the finish line don’t say anything, and a few of the other guy’s family are loud, in your face, and adamant that HE CROSSED FIRST! He goes home with the trophy.

Serious question: Who won the race? You  crossed first, he holds the trophy and the score-card records his time as the winning one. Continue reading Stealing an election a fraction at a time →