EAC - Voluntary Voting System Guidelines

Name : | Christopher J. Dodd
Organization : | U.S. Senate
Post Date : | 9/30/2005
Section Comments
Section : | 6.7
Page no. : |
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Comment : | In general, the VVSG issues appropriate cautions with regard to the development and deployment of wireless communication for voting purposes. HAVA recognized the potential that the Internet and wireless technology holds for expanding both access to the ballot as well as the security of the results. However, in light of the serious opportunities for fraud and the potential disenfranchising effect such technology can create for poor communities and voters without financial access to such technology, HAVA required that the EAC conduct a thorough study and report of expanding the Internet and communication technologies to the electoral process. The Commission has yet to conduct that study and in many respects, it may be premature for the Commission to issue guidelines with regard to such technology. At a minimum, the Commission should consider recognizing that when developing wireless communications for voting purposes, the necessary research and development activities should not only consider and include security requirements, but also accessible and affordable architecture with secure protocols. In addition to research on human factors, consideration should be given to how such technology can be deployed in a uniform and nondiscriminatory manner to ensure that communities and voters of limited financial resources are not left behind in the digital divide as it applies to the exercise of the fundamental right to vote. Eventually, future generations of wireless technology hold the promise of providing expanded accessibility for vulnerable communities, including individuals with disabilities, language minorities, and poor communities.