CLEARLAKE – We have often heard the phrase, "Does my vote count?" A more important question might be, "Is my vote even counted?"

Second Sunday Cinema's free film for Jan. 13 is "Hacking Democracy," which makes a calm, close, even-handed search for an answer.

Bev Harris, an investigative writer and grandmother, was concerned enough about reports of "stolen elections" and non-secure electronic voting machines to launch what turned out to be quite an adventure. Happily, a camera went with her, and the result is entertaining, inspiring and chilling, whether you're a Democrat or a Republican.

Harris crisscrossed the nation, diving into dumpsters and digging into trash cans (all quite legal). She confronted blank-faced county officials and hired world-class hackers to try the system.

Because every voter needs to see this film – especially in an election year – I will not ruin the suspense by sharing the outcome. Please take note: We here in little rural Lake County may feel safe, because we (at least in some precincts) use paper ballots. Unfortunately, all the votes are still compiled on electronic vote-counting machines.

As Bev Harris puts it, "The weakest link in the human chain can destroy the integrity of the election simply by swapping a memory card or popping in a USB memory stick."

In one memorable, probable example of the above, in one precinct in Florida, the total for Al Gore in 2000 was MINUS 16,022 votes!

This documentary will be shown on Jan. 13, and marks the first complete year of Second Sunday Cinema's ongoing series of free films.

The venue is the social hall of the Clearlake United Methodist Church at 14521 Pearl St., near Mullen.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for snacks and socializing. The film starts at 6 p.m., and is followed by time to hang out and meet new people and discuss the film.

You can get more information at 279-2957. As always, this film is free.

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