EAC - Voluntary Voting System Guidelines

Name : | Mary Kiffmeyer
Organization : | Minnesota Secretary of State
Post Date : | 9/30/2005
General Comments
Comment : | C. SHOULD V. SHALL Although the VVSG themselves are "voluntary," and it is not mandatory that states adopt them, the VVSG should establish firm standards for voting equipment, which the states can then either choose or not choose to adopt. It serves no purpose to have ambiguous "standards." Therefore, the language establishing the standard cannot be ambiguous or permissive but should be stated so that, as a standard, it is a requirement. The use of "shall" clearly indicates that the requirement exists, and that the guideline being set forth is a standard to be followed. If an area is optional, it should be clearly stated. But, if that area of the guidelines is used the standards should be as exact as possible.