EAC - Voluntary Voting System Guidelines

Name : | Eugene Lee
Organization : | Asian Pacific American Legal Ctr. of So. CA
Post Date : | 9/30/2005
Section Comments
Section : | 2.2.7
Page no. : | 2-10
Line no.: |
Comment : | Recommend adding text between ++'s ----------------------------------- 2.2.7 Human Factors The importance of human factors in the design of voting systems has become increasingly apparent. It is not sufficient that the internal operation of these systems be correct; in addition, voters and poll workers must be able to use them effectively. There are some special difficulties in the design of usable and accessible voting systems: • The voting task itself can be fairly complex; the voter may have to navigate an electronic ballot, choose multiple candidates in a single race or decide on abstrusely worded referenda. • Voting is performed infrequently, so there is limited opportunity for voters and poll workers to gain familiarity with the process. • Jurisdictions may change voting equipment, thus obviating whatever familiarity the voter might have acquired. • Once the ballot has been cast by the voter, there is no provision for subsequent correction. • Voting must be accessible to all eligible citizens, whatever their physical abilities, language skills, or experience with technology. The challenge, then, is to provide a voting system and voting environment that all voters can use comfortably, efficiently, and with justified confidence that they have cast their votes correctly. The requirements within this section are intended to serve that goal. Although there are many detailed requirements, three broad principles motivate this section: 1. ALL ELIGIBLE VOTERS SHALL HAVE ACCESS TO THE VOTING PROCESS WITHOUT DISCRIMINATION. The voting process shall be accessible to individuals with disabilities + and individuals who are not yet fully proficient in English.+ Note that the voting process includes access to the polling place, instructions on how to vote, initiating the voting session, choosing candidates, getting help as needed, review of the ballot, VVPAT, if applicable, and final submission of the ballot. 2. EACH CAST BALLOT SHALL ACCURATELY CAPTURE THE SELECTIONS MADE BY THE VOTER. The ballot shall be presented to the voter in a manner that is clear and usable. Voters should encounter no difficulty or confusion in recording their choices. 3. THE VOTING PROCESS SHALL PRESERVE THE SECRECY OF THE BALLOT.