Guide to Effective Voter Education

ERIC CLARK Mississippi Secretary of State ——————————————————————————————————————— Guide to Effective Voter Education October 2006 i Table of Contents OVERVIEW........................................................................................................................... 1 Introduction............................................................................................................................ 1 Document Structure............................................................................................................... 1 THE ACCUVOTE TSX VOTING SYSTEM...................................................................... 4 TOUCH&VOTE MISSISSIPPI OUTREACH CAMPAIGN AND ACTIVITIES .......... 6 Touch &Vote Mississippi Voter Education Campaign Overview............................................ 6 Touch &Vote Mississippi Program Initiatives ......................................................................... 6 Outreach Demonstrations......................................................................................................... 6 State and Regional Efforts ....................................................................................................... 6 County Efforts…………………….......................................................................................... 7 Multi-Media Campaign............................................................................................................ 7 Touch &Vote Mississippi Brand .............................................................................................. 7 LIVE DEMONSTRATIONS….. .......................................................................................... 9 Sample Presentations ............................................................................................................... 8 20 Minute Presentation ............................................................................................................ 9 Introduction……….............................................................................................................. …9 Explanation……… .................................................................................................................. 9 Demonstration…….................................................................................................................. 9 Questions and Answers.......................................................................................................... 12 Public Test Voting ................................................................................................................. 12 Distribution……… ................................................................................................................ 12 Exit Survey………................................................................................................................. 12 Larger Groups: Sample 30-Minute Presentation Script (Long Version) .............................. 12 Step 1: Introduction............................................................................................................... 12 Step 2: Teaching… ................................................................................................................ 13 Setting up the AccuVote TSX................................................................................................ 16 Tips for Teaching the Special Needs Community ................................................................. 23 Acting as a Sighted Guide...................................................................................................... 23 Respecting the Person's Ability to do Things for Himself or Herself ................................... 24 Giving Directions................................................................................................................... 24 Speaking Directly................................................................................................................... 24 Maintaining a Conversation................................................................................................... 24 OUTREACH FACILITATORS CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS....................... 26 Code of Conduct................................................................................................................... 26 ii Ethical Standards................................................................................................................. 26 ACCUVOTE TSX FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ............................................ 27 GLOSSARY.......................................................................................................................... 32 iii Touch &Vote Mississippi OVERVIEW The Guide to Effective Voter Education is a training manual used to train Outreach Facilitators assigned the task of public voter contact. It provides clear and precise instructions for effective voter outreach education, which includes educating voters on electronic voting and demonstrating the AccuVote TSX. Introduction The Presidential Election of 2000 raised several issues about voting technologies used in the United States. The issues raised include: • • • • • Characteristics of the different voting methods The design of ballots The types and sources of voter error Vote counting Voting standards In addition, changes were needed to address diverse voter bases such as the visually and mobility impaired and non English speaking voters. Mississippi has taken a national leadership role by implementing electronic voting statewide. Our responsibility in this process is to inform, educate and excite Mississippi voters about touch screen voting by Election Day. To accomplish this, Outreach Facilitators will use live demonstrations to demonstrate the new voting process utilized by the AccuVote TSX. Document Structure • Overview Introduction Document Structure Every component of the Guide to Effective Voter Education document is described in this section. The AccuVote TSX Voting System This chapter provides an overview of the features of the AccuVote TSX voting unit. 1 Touch &Vote Mississippi Outreach Campaign & Activities This chapter describes Mississippi’s Voter Education campaign plan and the method Outreach Facilitators use to interact with voters. Touch &Vote Mississippi Voter Education Campaign Overview Touch &Vote Mississippi Mission & Plan Objectives Touch &Vote Mississippi Program Initiatives Outreach Demonstrations Media Campaign Touch &Vote Mississippi Brand Live Demonstrations This section describes the guidelines for live demonstrations, provides some sample presentations, and provides instructions for setting up and configuring the AccuVote TSX for a Demonstration Mode 2 Touch &Vote Mississippi Sample Presentations 20-Minute Presentation 30-Minute Presentation Setting up the AccuVote TSX Tips for Teaching the Special Needs Community Acting as a Sighted Guide Respecting One’s Ability to Do Things for Themselves Giving Directions Speaking Directly Maintaining a Conversation Outreach Facilitators Code of Conduct and Ethics This chapter provides the code of conduct and ethical standards for Outreach Facilitators. Code of Conduct This section describes the code of conduct for Outreach Facilitators. Ethical Standards This section describes the ethical standards for Outreach Facilitators. AccuVote TSX Frequently Asked Questions This chapter provides a list of frequently asked questions. Glossary This chapter provides a list of terms Outreach Facilitators should be familiar with. 3 THE ACCUVOTE TSX VOTING SYSTEM The AccuVote TSX system is a robust, voter-activated, interactive touch screen system. While classified as a Direct Recording Electronic (DRE) device, the AccuVote TSX system has capabilities that transcend traditional DRE technology. Among the major features and benefits drawing the most attention are: The terminal's “magnify” feature enlarges text ADA features provide audio ballot Voter privacy shields An ADA keypad Election results that are stored in several flash memory location providing ballot backup Figure 2-1: AccuVote TSX System A screen that tilts forward to accommodate mobility impaired voters Features include: • The light weight of the unit enables poll workers of all ages to transport the AccuVote TSX to polling locations. • • • The AccuVote TSX is a stand alone operation which is never connected to the Internet. Over-voting is eliminated, as only the designated number of candidates can be selected in each race. Under-voting can be significantly reduced, as a Summary Screen, presented to each voter once they have sequenced through the ballot, enables the voter to verify each selection in every race before casting their ballot. The 4 Touch &Vote Mississippi Summary Screen also indicates if a selection has not been made within a specific race, enabling the voter to fully complete the ballot if desired. Selections can be changed until the time the ballot is cast. • Election results are secured using a very sophisticated form of encryption. Security is further enhanced through the use of a dynamic encryption key capability, which enables security keys to be changed as required by the jurisdiction. Voter Cards are secured using a dynamic key encryption technique that allows jurisdictions to change the security key for each election if desired. Election results optionally transmitted over the standard telephone network are encrypted using the sophisticated Secure Socket Layer (SSL) method of encryption. Comprehensive electronic audit files provide a record of system activities. Every AccuVote TSX voting station offers voice guidance capability enabling blind voters to navigate through the entire ballot without assistance and in complete privacy. A voter makes candidate selections and casts their ballot all on one unit, providing increased voting process integrity. The size of the ballot text and the ballot target areas on the screen can be enlarged at any time during the voting process to facilitate voters with limited vision. Touch screen reliability includes 35 million touches to any specific location on the screen. The AccuVote TSX can present ballots in at least nine different languages, providing full accessibility for voters. A voter can return to the instruction page at any time during the voting process. An integral bracket on the voting station positions the screen at a right angle so voters in wheelchairs can conveniently cast their ballot. A lightweight tethered keypad can also be used to make selections by voters with limited dexterity. The small footprint of the AccuVote TSX voting station requires less storage space. Stacking storage carts are available to house multiple units during storage. The AccuVote TSX can be set-up within the polling location and be readied for an election in minutes. The attached telescoping leg assembly makes station set-up quick and simple. An internal battery backup is provided in case of external power failure. On-screen write-in capability is provided. • • • • • • • • • • • • • 5 TOUCH&VOTE MISSISSIPPI OUTREACH CAMPAIGN AND ACTIVITIES Outreach Coordinators interact with voters through live demonstrations. Live demonstrations may include providing a formal presentation, setting up the AccuVote TSX, and configuring the unit for Demonstration Mode. This chapter provides guidance for live demonstrations. Touch &Vote Mississippi Voter Education Campaign Overview • Touch &Vote Mississippi Mission & Plan Objective The goal of the Touch &Vote Mississippi Voter Education Outreach Plan is to reach all voting Mississippians and ensure they are comfortable and prepared to use the new touch screen voting machines. Objectives to successfully achieve the Touch &Vote Mississippi mission include: o Positive public acceptance of the new statewide voting system through increased awareness and education; o Ensure that citizens that may be intimidated with the new voting technology are comfortable with the new statewide touch screen voting system. In particular, the elderly and rural voting population who may not be familiar with computer technology; thereby ensuring no one is disenfranchised as a result of this historic transition. • Touch &Vote Mississippi Program Initiatives The key to success of the new voting machine is an aggressive voter education program designed to acquaint citizens with the new touch screen equipment before they arrive at the precinct to vote. The state level Touch &Vote Mississippi outreach program will facilitate statewide educational and training projects, which will include statewide, regional and local voter education activities. The immediate voter outreach plan will proceed until the November 7, 2006, General Election. Ongoing voter education and outreach support will continue through the November 2007 statewide election cycle. The program will involve state and county resources and include the following components: • • Outreach Demonstrations State and Regional Efforts A statewide Voter Outreach Coordinator and eight (8) Regional Outreach Coordinators will be hired by the Secretary of State. The Director of Elections Training and Education will lead the voter education and training efforts. Two (2) Regional Coordinators will be assigned to each of the four (4) congressional districts 6 Touch &Vote Mississippi in Mississippi and will be responsible for initiating outreach in their region, and assisting county election officials in developing their own educational initiatives. The overall goal for the Regional Coordinators (ROC) is to “reach every Mississippi voter,” and the goal will be seen through the variety of scheduled events and appearances. ROC’s will be responsible for reaching out to area organizations and scheduling voting system demonstrations in the community. Appearances may be at NVRA agencies, civic clubs, shopping malls, fairs, senior citizen centers, transit stations, banks, grocery stores, large companies, colleges and universities, hospitals, sports stadiums and other community gathering points. These sessions will give voters a hands-on opportunity to experience touch screen voting by casting a sample ballot. During the months of September and October in 2006 and 2007, the coordinators will focus primarily on large groups (50 or more) in order to reach the maximum number of voters. Demonstrations, during the final two months prior to an election, will include annual conferences, regional meetings, as well as social, fraternal, and business group meetings. Additionally, this staff of coordinators will organize several “Statewide Days,” including Banking Day, Higher Education Day, and Senior Citizen Day, where outreach facilitators will host demonstrations at locations across the state on the same day. These Statewide Days will be publicized by the Secretary of State’s office, as well as through contacts with local media and organizations. • County Efforts Another key component of the outreach program is county involvement. This serves to increase the number of program supporters throughout the state and increases the number of individuals trained to educate voters. Training on how to conduct voting machine demonstrations will be made available to election officials. The Regional Outreach Coordinators will support county efforts. • Multi-Media Campaign To support the outreach demonstrations and further develop awareness with Mississippians about the new touch screen voting system and its features, the Secretary of State’s office will coordinate media outreach efforts statewide. This campaign will include, but is not limited to, public service announcements, printed materials, website, electronic voting simulations available on the web, a tollfree answer line and partnership with major community service organizations and corporate partnerships. • Touch &Vote Mississippi Brand 7 The above brand and positioning line were developed specifically for the State of Mississippi to support voter outreach and education efforts. Touch &Vote Mississippi and the graphic are known as the brand identity. “Just A Touch Is All It Takes,” is the strategic positioning line. • Live Demonstrations Live Demonstrations give Outreach Coordinators the opportunity to interact face-to-face with voters. In these demonstrations, Outreach Coordinators demonstrate the AccuVote TSX to voters and educate the voter on electronic voting. • General Guidelines To ensure a successful demonstration, the following list provides some guidelines that each Outreach Coordinator should follow: • Voters want to hear new information with an “I didn’t know that” quality. To be effective, we must make our subject understandable without making voters feel inadequate. Voters want to hear the truth. If a question is asked to which you do not know the answer or are unsure if the question is appropriate, get the voter contact information and let the voter know that you will get the answer within 48 hours. Voters are more receptive to small words, not big technical ones. Respect each voter. Ensure that you can be heard clearly throughout the demonstration area. Voters want to be both informed and entertained. Each session should be both informative and enjoyable. Voters want to receive a well-planned demonstration. Good presentations require detailed planning and preparation in advance. • • • • • • Sample Presentations The following are two sample presentations that can be used during public demonstrations of the AccuVote TSX. The 20 Minute Presentation can be used for smaller groups of people, less than 25. The 30 Minute Presentation is more suited for larger audiences. These sample presentations are to be used as a guideline only. Each Outreach Coordinator should tailor the sample presentation to fit his/her presentation style. 8 Touch &Vote Mississippi • 20 Minute Presentation An AccuVote TSX presentation should consist of the following: o Introduction. You introduce yourself and describe the purpose of the presentation. o Explanation. You explain why this presentation is being given. o Demonstration. You demonstrate how to use the AccuVote TSX. See section 3.1.3 and 3.1.4 for instructions. o Question and Answers. You answer questions from the audience. o Public Test Voting. Voters are given the chance to interact with the AccuVote TSX and vote a demonstration ballot. o Distribution. Voters who stayed until the end of the presentation are given a Voter Information Brochure. o Exit Survey. This segment is optional. This segment gives voters the opportunity to provide feedback on the presentation. Introduction “Good afternoon, my name is _________________ and I represent the Touch &Vote Mississippi effort. Today we will show you one of the most exciting changes ever to happen to voting in our state. Before the session is over, you will learn why exercising your right to vote will be simpler and more accurate than ever before. At the end of our presentation, each of you will have an opportunity to test this new touch screen voting unit. And for those of you who stay until the very end, we have something to give you just for taking your time to come out today (or tonight).” Explanation Mississippi’s old system was outdated in many ways. Therefore, Mississippi officials have decided to take advantage of the many benefits of technology and replace our old system with what is called touch screen voting. Our state and county governments have made a major investment to improve the accuracy and integrity of our elections. As a result, problems voters once experienced on Election Day, such as missing an important item on the ballot or making a mistake when selecting candidates, have been completely eliminated. The biggest benefits of this new system are accuracy and flexibility. Not only can this voting unit accommodate disabled or vision-impaired voters, it also has built in provisions for multiple languages and write-in candidates. Demonstration “We are excited about this change and we think you will be also. What I would like to do next is show you how easy it is to cast your ballot, but first let me go over briefly the simple set of instructions contained on this voter information 9 brochure. As I mentioned earlier before you leave all of you would be able to test the new system. After your test ballot, you will be given one of these voter instruction brochures. This is a set of instructions you may review on Election Day. Let’s go step by step and show you just how easy the system works. Step 1. Start – Insert Card Insert the voter access card into slot at upper right side of the screen. Card should be face up with arrow pointing left. Push card firmly in until it clicks and let it remain. Step 2. Read “Instructions” Before you begin the voting process, you can: Touch “Large Text” to increase text size. Touch “High Contrast” to view a black and white ballot. To access ballot and begin voting, Touch “Next.” Step 3. Select Candidates Touch the box on the screen next to your choice. An ‘X’ will appear designating your selection. To change or cancel your selection, touch the box again. If there are write-in candidates on the ballot you would like to vote for, select, “write-in” and type the name. Then touch “Record Write-In.” Step 4. Review Your Ballot 10 Touch &Vote Mississippi On the “Summary Page,” review your choices. Items in red are races that were left blank or incomplete. If you want to vote for a race that was left blank, incomplete or change your vote, just touch the desired race you would like to change and you will be taken back to the proper page to cast your vote. You may also touch “Back” to cycle through the ballot. Step 5. Print Ballot for Verification To verify your selections, touch “Print Ballot” and you will see an enclosed printed copy of your choices. After reviewing your printed ballot you can either cast or reject your ballot. Step 6. Cast Your Ballot Touch “Cast Ballot” when you are ready to record your vote. Once your ballot has been cast, the printer will scroll to hide your selections. Step 7. Finish: Remove Card You have completed the electronic touch screen voting process. R Remove the voter card and return it to a poll worker. 11 Questions and Answers After your demonstration, politely ask if anyone has any questions. After the last question, tell the audience that you will be available after the presentation if anyone has additional questions and continue to the Public Test Voting segment. For questions you do not have an answer or feel are inappropriate, ask the voter for his/her name and phone number, and tell them that you will have an answer in 48 hours. Forward these questions back to your project team supervisor. Public Test Voting “Right now, I would like to give each of you a chance to test the new voting machine.” First, ask for volunteers; if none, then walk up to any person in the first row and say, “You will be the first voter. Please step right this way.” Distribution After each voter has finished the test vote, give him/her a Voter Information Instruction Brochure. Exit Survey As voters leave the presentation, instruct them that they can provide valuable feedback on the presentation by filling out an Exit Survey. Larger Groups: Sample 30-Minute Presentation Script (Long Version) This presentation is suited for larger groups and is broken into 3 main sections, which are: • • Step 1: Introduction. During the introduction, you introduce yourself and describe the purpose of the presentation. Step 2: Teaching. This is the “How To Vote” or instructional section of the presentation. Step 1: Introduction “Good afternoon, my name is _________________ and I represent the Touch&Vote Mississippi Voter Education effort. Today we will show you one of the most exciting changes ever to happen to voting in our state. Before the session is over, you will learn why exercising your right to vote will be simpler and more accurate than ever before. At the end of our presentation, each of you will have an opportunity to test this new touch screen voting unit. And for those of you who stay until the very end, we have something to give you just for taking your time to come out today (or tonight). Mississippi’s old system was outdated in many ways. Therefore, Mississippi officials have decided to take advantage of the many benefits of technology and replace our old system with, what is called, touch screen voting. Our state and county governments have made a major investment to improve the accuracy and integrity of our elections. As a result, problems voters once experienced on Election Day, such as missing an important 12 Touch &Vote Mississippi item on the ballot or making a mistake when selecting candidates, have been completely eliminated. The biggest benefits of this new system are accuracy and flexibility. Not only can this voting unit accommodate disabled or vision-impaired voters, it also has built-in provisions for multiple languages and write-in candidates.” Step 2: Teaching “We are excited about this change and we think you will be also. What I would like to do next is show you how easy it is to cast your ballot, but first let me go over briefly the simple set of instructions contained on this voter information brochure. As I mentioned earlier, all of you would be able to test the new system. After your test ballot, you will be given one of these voter instruction brochures. This is not a voter registration card, but a set of instructions to keep in your wallet or purse to review on Election Day. Let’s go step by step and show you just how easy the system works. Step 1. Start – Insert Card Insert the voter access card into slot at upper right side of the screen. Card should be face up with arrow pointing left. Push card firmly in until it clicks and let it remain. Step 2. Read “Instructions” Before you begin the voting process, you can: Touch “Large Text” to increase text size. Touch “High Contrast” to view a black and white ballot. To access ballot and begin voting, Touch “Next.” Step 3. Select Candidates 13 Touch the box on the screen next to your choice. An ‘X’ will appear designating your selection. To change or cancel your selection, touch the box again. If there are write-in candidates on the ballot you would like to vote for, select, “write-in” and type the name. Then touch “Record Write-In”. Step 4. Review Your Ballot On the “Summary Page,” review your choices. Items in red are races that were left blank or incomplete. If you want to vote for a race that was left blank, incomplete or change your vote, just touch the desired race you would like to change and you will be taken back to the proper page to cast your vote. Step 5. Print Ballot for Verification To verify your selections, touch “Print Ballot” and you will see an enclosed printed copy of your choices. After reviewing your printed ballot you can either cast or reject your ballot. Step 6. Cast Your Ballot Touch “Cast Ballot” when you are ready to record your vote. Once your ballot has been cast, the printer will scroll to hide your selections. Step 7. Finish: Remove Card 14 Touch &Vote Mississippi You have completed the electronic touch screen voting process. Remove the voter card and return it to a poll worker. After your demonstration, politely ask if anyone has any questions. After the last question, tell the audience that you will be available after the presentation if anyone has another question. “Right now, I would like to give each of you a chance to test the new voting machine”. First ask for volunteers; if none, then walk up to any person in the first row and say, “You will be the first voter. Please step right this way.” For questions that for which you do not have an answer or feel are inappropriate, ask the voter for his/her name and/or phone number and tell them that you will have an answer in 48 hours. Forward these questions back to your project team supervisor. 15 • Setting up the AccuVote TSX This section describes how to set up the AccuVote TSX To set up the AccuVote TSX unit and Install the AccuVote Printer Module: 1. To begin, lay the touch screen facedown on the floor. 2. Gripping the black handle, pull the support bar away form the base. Remove the power cord, keypad and headset from the back of unit as applicable. 3. Pull the inside legs all the way up until they click into place. 4. Check to make sure you see four safety pins snap into place. 5. Pull the outside legs away from the base making sure the bracket is fully extended and locked. 6. Grip the outside legs and pull up until the safety pin on each leg locks into place. 16 Touch &Vote Mississippi 7. Carefully stand the unit upright (this is best done with 2 people). 8. To adjust the angle, lift up on the handle while pressing the safety pin on the support bar. 9. To daisy-chain the units together, take the power cord from the first unit and attach the female end to the top socket. Plug the other end into an outlet. 10. Take the male end of the next unit’s cord and plug it into the empty spot in the first unit. 11. Continue plugging in all the units in the same way. The last unit will have one empty plug. 12. To set up a Visually Impaired Ballot Station (VIBS) unit press on the tablet’s black notch and pull the tablet forward. If you are NOT setting up a VIBS unit, got to step 16. 17 13. Pull the tablet out of the cradle and plug the keypad into the port on the back. 14. Place the tablet into its cradle and feed the cord through the mounting slot. Set the keypad aside. 15. To load the memory card (if applicable), unlock the memory card door on the unit’s left edge. 16. Firmly slide the Memory Card in place as shown. DO NOT turn on the power yet. 17. To install the AccuView Printer Module (AVPM), see the separate Installation Guide, then proceed to Step 18. 18. Plug the headphones into the jack on the front of the tablet. This will complete the set-up of the unit. 18 Touch &Vote Mississippi Accu-View Printer Module (AVPM) Installation Guide 1. Machine should be turned off. Use key to open printer access door. 2. Pull printer access door down. 3. To mount the AVPM, align its bottom lip UNDER the printer door. Raise the housing up and lay it forward. 4. Confirm that AVPM is securely seated under front lip with NO GAP. Unlock printer housing. 5. Lift the printer housing cover up. 6. Press firmly on latch at top edge of housing to secure voting terminal. It will snap into place. 19 7. Raise metal cover. 8. To secure AVPM, push Blue Locking Bracket forward. Also, ensure motor cover moves up and down freely. 9. Tear edge of paper off new roll and load on the supply spindle with flange on the left and edge of paper on the bottom, then load spindle into housing. 10. Push printer cover release and raise printer cover. 11. Thread paper through the slot in the paper cover under the printer cover. Allow approximately 24 inches of paper to extend from roll. 12. Push printer cover down until it clicks into place. 20 Touch &Vote Mississippi 13. Lower metal cover. Place empty take-up canister, with lid open, into AVPM. 14. Feed paper into slot in takeup spool and wind excess paper around it. 15. Gears on take-up spool should be on the left and paper inserted on the right. 16. Place spool into canister. 17. Close canister lid and pinch edge as shown to snap shut. 18. (THIS STEP NOT NECESSARY FOR SET-UP OF DEMONSTRATION UNITS.) Slightly raise canister to affix new seal. Squeeze security seal closed and record number on canister label and Canister Seal Log. Lower canister back into place. 21 19. Turn on the voting terminal. On the screen, press Test Printer Button and wait for printer to complete running. Press OK button and wait for printer to complete process. Press Start Take-Up Button and wait for printer to complete process. 20. Ensure paper is taut with no slack. Press OK button and wait for printer to complete process. 21. (THIS STEP NOT NECESSARY FOR SET-UP OF DEMONSTRATION UNITS.) Sign Zero Total Report and press Start Takeup button. Wait for printer to complete process. Ensure paper is taut with no slack. 22. Press OK button and wait for printer to complete process. Ensure paper is taut with no slack. 23. Close lid and lock with key. Printer is now ready. 22 Touch &Vote Mississippi Tips for Teaching the Special Needs Community Ensuring equal access to the electoral process for all citizens is part of the responsibility of voter outreach and education. States and counties are required to make all polling places and methods accessible to enable blind and visually impaired people to vote privately and independently. The American Federation for the Blind estimates that 10 million people in the United States are blind or visually impaired. The AccuVote TSX voting system features an audio ballot and keypad response system that allow blind voters or voters with low or limited vision to vote privately and independently. Demonstrations should not be altered from the way they are conducted with a non-special needs audience. But, if you have not had an opportunity to work with anyone who could not see well or at all, previously, then you have never had a reason, or at least no immediate need, to think about the subtle differences between considerate behavior toward a sighted person and someone with limited vision. These are not major differences—the same affection, politeness and thoughtfulness apply—but there are several basic ground rules that will make your day-to-day contacts with a voter who is visually impaired easier, more relaxed, and truly helpful. This section outlines the key points to keep in mind when you are with someone whose vision is impaired, including: Acting as a Sighted Guide • Offer to guide a person who is blind or visually impaired by asking if he or she would like assistance. Be aware that the person may not need or want guided help; in some instances it can be disorienting and disruptive. Respect the wishes of the person you are with. If your help is accepted, offer the person your arm. To do so, tap the back of your hand against his or her hand. The person will then grasp your arm directly above the elbow. Never grab the person’s arm or try to direct him or her by pushing or pulling. Relax and walk at a comfortable pace. Stay one step ahead of the person you are guiding, except at the top and bottom of stairs and to cross streets. At these places, pause and stand alongside the person. Then resume travel, walking one step ahead. Always pause when you change directions, step up, or step down. It is helpful, but not necessary, to tell the person you are guiding about changes in terrain, stairs, narrow spaces, elevators, and escalators. The standard form of sighted guide technique may have to be modified because of other disabilities or for someone who is exceptionally tall or short. Be sure to ask the person you are guiding what, if any, modifications he or she would like you to use. When you are acting as a guide, never leave the person in "free space." When walking, always be sure that the person has a firm grasp on your arm. If you have to be separated briefly, be sure the person is in contact with a wall, railing, or some other stable object until you return. • • • • • 23 • To guide a person to a seat, place the hand of your guiding arm on the seat. The person you are guiding will find the seat by following along your arm. Respecting the Person's Ability to do Things for Himself or Herself • If a voter is traveling with a guide dog, do not pet the dog, offer it food, or distract it in any way while it is working. Guide dogs are not pets, but highly trained mobility tools. Do not take care of tasks for the person that he or she would normally do. First ask if the person needs help, then offer to assist. Most people with a visual impairment will tell you if they would like some assistance. If you are asked to complete a task for someone, always leave things in the same place you found them. • • Giving Directions • When giving directions, people who are not visually impaired tend to use gestures—pointing, looking in the direction referred to, etc.—at least as much as they use verbal cues. That is not helpful to a person who is blind or has a visual impairment. And often even verbal directions are not precise enough for a person who can't see—for example, "It's right over there" or "It’s just behind the bookcase." Where is "there"? Where is the bookcase? Always refer to a specific direction—right or left as it applies to the person you're advising. What is on your right is on the left of the person facing you. Indicate the approximate distance well as the direction to a requested location. Give the approximate distance to reach the destination. Even if your estimate is off. Be precise and thorough when you describe people, places, or things to someone who is totally blind. Do not leave out things or change a description because you think it is unimportant or unpleasant. If possible, provide information about “landmarks.” • • • • • "The keypad is in front of you to your right at chest level and approximately one arm’s length away. The headphones are in front of you on your left. They are attached to the voting station by a three (3) foot cord.” Speaking Directly • When greeting a voter who is blind or visually impaired, do not forget to identify yourself. For example, "Hello, I’m Sophia." • Speak directly to the voter who is visually impaired, not through an intermediary. Maintaining a Conversation • Speak distinctly, using a natural conversational tone and speed. Unless the person has a hearing impairment you do not need to raise your voice. • Feel free to use words that refer to vision during the course of a conversation. Vision-oriented words such as look, see, and watching TV are a part of everyday 24 Touch &Vote Mississippi • • • • • • • • verbal communication. The words blind and visually impaired are also acceptable in conversation. Do not avoid visually descriptive language. Making reference to colors, patterns, designs, and shapes is perfectly acceptable. When you speak about someone with a disability, refer to the person and then to the disability. For example, refer to "a person who is blind" rather than to "a blind person." Address the voter by name, so they will immediately know that you are talking to them rather than someone who happens to be nearby. As soon as a voter who is blind or visually impaired enters a room, be sure to greet the person. This alerts her to your presence, avoids startling her, and eliminates uncomfortable silences. Be an active listener. Give the person opportunities to talk. Respond with questions and comments to keep the conversation going. A person who is visually impaired cannot necessarily see the look of interest on your face, so give verbal cues to let him or her know that you are actively listening. Always answer questions and be specific or descriptive in your responses. Say when you are leaving and where you are going if it is appropriate, for example, while you listen to the audio ballot, I’m going to run down to the copier. Indicate the end of a conversation with a person who is totally blind or severely visually impaired to avoid the embarrassment of leaving the person speaking when no one is actually there. 25 OUTREACH FACILITATORS CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS To enhance consistency throughout the outreach process, the jurisdiction should consider incorporating conduct and ethics training. This section provides a sample code of conduct and ethics. • Code of Conduct Outreach Facilitators shall instruct voters how to use the new AccuVote TSX touch screen electronic voting units. Outreach facilitators shall interact with as many voters as possible, answering questions, addressing concerns, and inspiring the voters’ confidence, comfort, and faith in the voting process. • • Ethical Standards Develop skill in operating the AccuVote TSX voting system, to ensure accurate and complete demonstrations, free of mistakes, omissions, or ambiguities that may confuse or impede voters’ use of the equipment. Create demonstrations using only the training materials provided by the State. If necessary, promptly return equipment and/or materials issued for demonstration and training purposes back to the lending jurisdiction. Refuse to act on behalf of any political party, candidate, or special interest group. Refuse to demonstrate voting equipment or train voters in any private residence. Refuse to seek or accept compensation for their services from any source other than the State. Disclose any offer of compensation to the project team and the State. Aspire to the highest standards of truth and impartiality. Facilitate an accurate, efficient, and fair voting process. Seek opportunities to advocate the voting process in communities. Seek to broaden public participation in the voting process. Make every effort to create clear, concise, and objective demonstrations. Avoid deception and misrepresentation in all of their actions as Outreach Facilitators. Report malfunctioning voting units to the project team. Report any alleged violation of these rules to the project team and the state. Outreach Facilitators shall: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 26 Touch &Vote Mississippi ACCUVOTE TSX FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS The following are a list of questions that may get asked during a presentation: GENERAL QUESTIONS Question Answer Electronic voting offers the most accurate voting technology available as proven by statistical information from the November 2004 General Election. Electronic voting provides accessibility for voters that are blind or physically challenged. It also offers improved convenience for voters; plus, speed and efficiency for election officials. Are touch screen machines as Yes. Touch screen systems are by far the most intuitive and reliable as Mississippi’s former easiest systems to use. The design of the AccuVote TSX, voting systems? for instance, eliminates over-voting (voting for more than the allowable number of candidates within a race) and virtually eliminates the problem of under-voting (not voting for the allowable number of candidates in the race) because voters must affirmatively choose to not cast a vote. Where are touch screen voting The touch screen-voting units are produced by Diebold units being manufactured? Election Systems at manufacturing locations in the United States. What methods are being used to Various forms of education will be provided through voting educate the voters on the new demonstrations at public meetings, TV and radio touch screen system? promotions, advertising pamphlets, Internet web site, and training workshops. Is the touch screen voting system Yes. The new system utilizes a sharp viewable 15” screen user friendly? with modern touch screen technology to enable the voter to easily maneuver through any ballot. Where can I get printed voting Get a down loadable PDF Version (82 kb) from instructions to hand out at my www.touchandvote.ms.gov on the Internet. (Requires facility or to my co-workers and Adobe Acrobat™ Reader down loadable at the web site.) family? Are these electronic voting units Yes. Any of the DRE voting units may be configured with accessible to the visually ADA features to accommodate the visually impaired, and to impaired and disabled? allow them to make ballot choices independently and without assistance via an audio interface. One DRE unit in each precinct will be configured in this way. Non-impaired voters may also use these units as well. The sensitive nature of the touch screen and the ability to position the screen at a right angle to the voting booth, along with the use of a keypad, also enables easy access for those individuals with unique accessibility requirements. What are the advantages of electronic voting? 27 What special features do the Diebold AccuVote–TSX offer? Who is Diebold Election Systems? Is Diebold a politically active company? Where is Diebold located? Doesn’t Diebold make bank machines? Question Why are we moving from our current voting system to a touch screen system? Why did Mississippi select electronic voting? How much did the new voting system cost (state) taxpayers? What if my county calls for a recount? How is my absentee ballot counted? Using an intelligent voter card as the voter interface, the AccuVote TSX permits voters to view and cast their votes by touching target areas on an electronically generated ballot. The units have the ability to put all ballot styles within a voting jurisdiction on each ballot station, (over 35,000 ballots have been stored on a single ballot station in a live election). The terminal’s “magnify” feature enlarges the text for improved visibility by the voter. Diebold, Incorporated, a global leader in providing security systems for more than 140 years, recently customizing high-tech vaults to protect the Charters of Freedom: the U.S. Constitution, the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights, at the National Archives Building in Washington, D.C. No. All Diebold employees and contractors are prohibited from making ANY financial contributions to political parties or candidates. Diebold’s elections division is headquartered in North Canton, Ohio. Other Diebold equipment assembly and manufacturing facilities are also located in Ohio. Yes. Diebold is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of ATMs. POLICY QUESTIONS Answer The 2002 Help America Vote Act provided funding to replace antiquated voting systems with more reliable systems which meet the requirements of persons with special needs. The current system is not flexible enough to accommodate Mississippi’s growing need for multiple languages, allowing the visually or disabled voter to vote without assistance, and to provide the resources needed for longer ballots used in today's elections. The new Diebold Electronic Voting System is safe, secure, accurate and accessible to all voters, including voters with disabilities. The system has passed stringent security analysis conducted by third-party organizations. Individual voting units cost approximately $3,000 each, but total costs are dependent on the functionality and total number of units purchased. AccuVote TSX provides election offices with anonymous, redundant records of all votes cast for auditing purposes as well as the capability of running a hard copy of every ballot cast in the event of a hand recount. Local election law will determine how this is accomplished, but a common practice is that an election official will 28 Touch &Vote Mississippi provide you with an optical scan ballot. The voter completes his/her selections on this ballot and returns it to the election official. Prior to the final votes being tallied, an election official will feed the optical scan ballot through an optical scan reader which will count the absentee votes and include them in the final election tally. TECHNOLOGY/SECURITY QUESTIONS Question Answer What information is stored on The voter access card contains a ballot style number. Once the voter access card? inserted into the voting station, the ballot style number contained on the card will be retrieved by the voting station and presented on the touch screen. It does not contain any personal voter information or cast ballot information. A poll worker encodes the access card with the correct ballot style number, immediately prior to issuing the card to the voter. Once the voter access card is used, the ballot style information on the card is voided, eliminating the use of the card until it is re-programmed by the poll worker. How are unofficial voting It is dependant upon the election laws of the jurisdiction, machine totals relayed to county but a common practice is by poll officials removing the and state election officials? memory cards from the stand-alone ballot stations after the polls are closed and transporting the memory cards to a central election office where the data is uploaded for vote totaling. Election results are never transmitted over the internet. How is the technology accessible A voice guidance audio ballot is available to blind voters. to disabled voters? A tethered telephone style keypad is used by blind and physically challenged voters to make selections and cast their ballot. Additionally, the ballot station is removable from its stand (when an AVPM is not attached), making it hand held to accommodate voters with limited mobility. The keypad was designed to replicate a universally known keypad as seen on a touch tone phone with a dotted “5” key. What happens when there is a Since the AccuVote TSX contains a battery back up, no power failure? disruption due to power failure will occur. Power failures are seamless events not affecting system operation. Is the voting confidential? Yes. Electronic voting is 100% confidential; each voting unit has a separate privacy enclosure. Even poll workers are not able to trace how votes were cast. All information relating to candidate selection is encrypted and immediately randomized as a vote is cast and stored in redundant locations within the voting station. What safeguards exist for proper There has been extensive testing of each voting unit upon performance of the system? its arrival in Insert State Name. The deployment process the vendor is required to meet is established State and 29 Federal requirements. How about security features? No. Votes are securely stored utilizing world-class Can votes be lost? encryption techniques on several flash memory devices, providing multiple system redundancy features. The units also carry internal battery back up in case of a loss of power to the precinct. How much personal information None. No voter information is stored on Voter Access is stored on the Voter Access Cards. This card is coded for one time use and only Card? provides information needed to bring up the proper ballot style for each voter. AccuVote TSX contains no methods or features allowing identification of voters. Where is my vote actually cast? Each voter’s ballot is tabulated in the AccuVote TSX machine’s memory card, and copied to a paper scroll for safekeeping. At the end of voting, the machine’s memory cards are delivered to central Board of Elections officials for tabulating preliminary election results which are usually announced on Election Night. Immediately after the election, the results are re-checked before final election results are posted and the election contest is authoritatively decided and a winner is officially certified. The paper scroll’s record of voting . Can the machines be accessed No. Each machine is free-standing and is not accessible via via the Internet? the internet. Its software has been passed two comprehensive, independent audits by computer experts and is approved by the ITA, an independent national bipartisan commission that reviews elections technology. How secure are these machines Immediately before voting starts on Election Day, each from tampering or computer machine is checked by a team of Republicans and fraud? Democrats to make sure it is working properly and starts at zero. At the end of voting, a team of Republicans and Democrats shut the machine down and carefully tabulate all ballots. END USER QUESTIONS Question Answer What happens if I touch the When the screen is touched twice in the same area, the first screen twice in the same place? selection is removed. This allows the voter to change his/her selection or correct a selection, prior to casting their final ballot. How is my vote confirmed? When the final screen is present and the voter presses “Cast Ballot” the selections are then recorded. The ballot information is encrypted and then redundantly captured in multiple locations. How do I know the voting After making selections, a review screen will appear listing system counted my vote as I cast all the choices the voter made. It will also highlight any it? races or questions in which a selection was not made. When the voter is finished reviewing the ballot and making 30 Touch &Vote Mississippi In what languages will the ballot be available? What happens to the paper receipt? How do I write-in a candidate? What if I insert my voter access card in the voting station and don’t see the races or candidates, I expected? Can someone see how I voted? all corrections, they will touch the “Cast Ballot” button to finalize their vote. If the machine has an AVPM (printer) attached, then the voter will also be able to see a voter verifiable paper audit printout of their selections which they can use to confirm their selections before casting their ballot. In Mississippi the ballot will be available in English and Choctaw. Diebold Election Systems has the capability to provide state and county election officials with more than eight different languages. The voter verifiable paper receipt is stored with a state or county election official in case there is a need for a paper recount. Paper receipts only reflect the votes cast and can not be traced to the voter who cast them. In selected races, the ballot may offer the voter an option to select “write-in candidate.” When the voter touches this option on the screen, a typewriter style touch keyboard will appear on the screen and the voter may type the name of the candidate for which they wish to cast their ballot. Consult with a poll worker and/or election official before making selections and casting your ballot. Poll workers and election officials can ensure the voter receives the correct ballot, whether it be a Republican or Democrat ballot for a primary election or the correct local municipality election ballot. No. Your votes are private. Can a voter take their paper copy No. That paper copy is needed in case they are need for a when they leave the polls? recount or if anything happens to the voting machine. Keeping the paper record in the machine also prevents voter fraud or manipulation, the same reason that voters did not receive copies of their ballots before under punch cards or optical scan voting systems. Why is there a ‘paper trail’ for Some voters feel more comfortable knowing their ballot has the machine? a paper backup copy. What if I don’t want to cast a vote for a candidate or question? You have the right not to vote in any race or question. The ballot summary screen will note races/questions the voter has not made a selection, so that the voter does not overlook responding, but the voter is not required to cast a vote in every race. 31 GLOSSARY The following are a list of terms that each Outreach Coordinator should be familiar: Term Definition Absentee ballot Acceptance Test Adoption Date Application Software Audit Trail AVPM Ballot Format Ballot Image Ballots cast by voters unable to vote in person at their polling place on Election Day. The examination of voting systems and their components by the purchasing election authority (usually in a simulated use environment) to validate performance of delivered units in accordance with procurement requirements, and validate that the delivered system is, in fact, a certified or qualified system. Testing to validate performance may be less broad than that involved with qualification testing and successful performance for multiple units (precinct count systems) may be inferred from a sample test. The date upon which the state adopts various standards. Software designed to fulfill specific needs of a user, for example election management, vote recording (Patterned after IEEE Std. 610.12-1990). An automated means to trace back to the original source of data input records or process performed on a voting system. AccuVote TSX Printer Module. One of any number of specific ballot configurations issued to the appropriate precinct. (Sometimes also referred to as “ballot style”). An electronically produced record of all votes cast by a single voter. The process of using election databases to select the specific contests and questions to be contained in a ballot format and related instructions; preparing election specific software and firmware containing these selections; producing all possible ballot formats (or styles): and validating the correctness of Ballot materials and software containing these selections for an upcoming election. The process of converting the ballot formats to a media ready for use in the physical ballot production or electronic presentation. The process of varying the location of candidate names on ballots to reduce the likelihood of positional voting bias. Voter, by precinct, or by political subdivision, may rearrange candidate names according to a number of different formulas. A device used to read the data from a mark sense ballot. Ballot Preparation Ballot Production Ballot Rotation Ballot Scanner 32 Touch &Vote Mississippi Canvass Card Reader Central Processing Unit (CPU) Certification Testing Code Component Computer Program Count Cross-party endorsement Data Accuracy Data Base Data Integrity Data Security Diagnostic Program A compilation of election returns and validation of the outcome that forms the basis of the official results. A device for voting systems, used to read the data from punch card ballots. The CPU performs all the arithmetic and logic (CPU) operations, and controls the flow of information throughout the entire voting system. The state examination, and possibly testing, of a voting system to determine its compliance with state laws, regulations and rules and any other state requirements for voting systems. As a noun, code means the system of characters, symbols, logic relationships, and rules for representing information. As a verb, to code means the same as to write, as in to code a program. Individual elements or items that collectively comprise a device. Examples include circuit boards, internal modems, processors, disk drives, and computer memory. A collection of instructions coded according to specific rules, and in a specific sequence, that a computer can execute directly, or that can be translated into object code, which the computer can execute. The program tells the computer what to do. The process of totaling votes. A candidate who has been nominated by more than one political party to run for a single elected office. A term that refers to the system’s ability to process voting data absent errors generated by the system internally. It is distinguished from data integrity, which encompasses errors introduced by an outside source. The entire file or collection of data that is relevant to a particular application or the entire computer system that is processed by the system over an extended period of time. A term that refers to the invulnerability of the system to accidental intervention or deliberate, fraudulent manipulation that would result in errors in the processing of data. It is distinguished from data accuracy that encompasses internal, system-generated errors. The protection of data against unauthorized use, destruction, or disclosure, whether it is accidental or deliberate. A test program used to test the individual units of a voting system, or the entire system itself to ensure that the software and hardware us functioning properly. Diagnostic programs can be used to test memory, the instruction set, and the various peripheral devices in an attempt to pinpoint the cause of a specific problem. 33 Driver Effective Date Election Coding Election Databases Election Management System Election Programming Firmware Functional Test Hardware Initialization Input/Output Devices Integrated Circuit Mark sense Voting System A program or subprogram designed to control the operation of a specific piece of peripheral hardware, such as a card reader, printer or disk drive. The driver takes into account the specific characteristics unique to the device. The state determined date after which systems presented for certification or acquisition should be in adherence with state standards. See Election Programming. A data file or set of files that contain geographic information about political subdivisions and boundaries; all contests and questions to be included in an election; and the candidates for each contest. A set of processing functions and databases within a Voting System that define, develop and maintain election databases; perform election definition and setup functions; format ballots; count votes; consolidate and report results; and maintain audit trails. The Process by which election officials or their designees use voting system software to logically define the ballot for a specific election (Sometimes called Election Coding). Voting programs (software) stored in read-only memory (ROM) devices embedded in the system and not capable of being altered during system operation. A test performed to verify or validate the accomplishment of a function or a series of functions. The mechanical, electrical and electronic assemblies, including materials and supplies, which are a part of the system, such as microprocessor, disk drives, printer, circuit boards, integrated circuits. To return a voting system to its original state when a program was first run by returning all counters, i.e., memory, to zero count or starting values. Those peripheral devices that allow human interface, storage of data, hard copy, or communication with another computer, such as keyboards, disk drives, printers, and modems. A microcircuit with all necessary components fabricated on a single chip. The chip is mounted inside a package, with pins along the side that allows it to be plugged into a socket, or soldered directly onto a circuit board. The entire package is often referred to as the integrated circuit. A system by which votes are recorded by means of marks made in voting response fields designated on one or both faces have a ballot card or series of cards. Mark sense systems use a ballot scanner to read the ballots. 34 Touch &Vote Mississippi Memory Microprocessor Modular Design Network Nonpartisan office Nonvolatile Memory Operating System Over votes Partisan office Password Political subdivision Polling Location Polling Place Any device in a voting system where information can be stored for future use. The internal memory of a voting system consists of ROM and RAM. ROM is Read-Only Memory. It is nonvolatile in that its contents remain stored even if power is removed. Information can be read from ROM, but cannot be placed into ROM. RAM is volatile memory. The contents of RAM will be destroyed if power is removed, and can be written over by the user. RAM is used to store the programs and information that the voting system is currently processing. A chip that is the central processing unit of a voting system containing the arithmetic-logic unit, a control unit, and data registers. Each microprocessor has its own unique instruction set. A method of software design in which an independent body of code statements performs a single logical function. The module is self-contained, and its removal from the program will disable only its unique function. An interconnected system of transmission lines or wireless connections that allows voting systems, terminals, peripheral devices, and similar types of equipment to communicate with each other. An elected office for which candidates run independent of political party affiliation. Memory in which information can be stored indefinitely with no power applied. ROMs and EPROMs are examples of nonvolatile memory. A supervisory program or collection of programs (GEMS), used to manage the hardware and logic functions of a voting system. An operating system may perform debugging, control the I/O devices, run the compiler or interpreter, and perform a variety of other housekeeping chores. The generally prohibited practice of voting for more than the allotted number of candidates for the office being contested. The AccuVote TSX prevents this. An elected office for which candidates run as representatives of a political party. A series of characters that enable a user to access a file, voting system, or program and help prevent unauthorized access. Any unit of government (often excepting school districts) having authority to hold elections for offices or on ballot issues. The physical address of a polling place. The area within the polling location where voters cast ballots. 35 An administrative division representing a contiguous geographic area in which voters cast ballots at the same polling Precinct place. (A split precinct is a precinct containing more than one ballot format. Voter casting absentee ballots may also be combined into one or more absentee precincts.) An election held to determine which candidate would represent a political party in the general election. In a Closed Primary System, voters receive a ballot listing only those candidates running for office in the party with which they are registered. Unaffiliated voters may not participate. A variation of the closed primary allows unaffiliated voters to vote in one or more of the party primaries. Open Primary Systems allow all voters to Primary election vote in a party primary election. Depending on State law, voters may be required either to openly declare their choice of party ballot at the polling place, or they receive ballots for each political party and make their choice of which primary to participate in within the privacy of the voting booth. In a Blanket Primary System, voters receive a ballot listing all candidates running for office regardless of party affiliation A primary election in which voters choose the delegates to the Primary presidential delegation Presidential nominating conventions allotted to their State by the national party committees. A systematic and structured means of communicating with a voting system through the use of a defined set of characters written in predetermined sequences. There are three levels of programming languages. Machine language, which consists of binary object code, is the lowest level. Next come languages, such as assembly language, which uses mnemonics as aids for Programming Language the programmer. ORTRAN, COBOL, Pascal, C++ and Visual BASIC are examples of higher-level languages. They contain familiar English words, and are translated into object code through the use of a compiler or interpreter. There are usually many machine language instructions for each source code instruction written in a higher-level language. One where votes are recorded by means of punches made in Punch card Voting System voting response fields designated on one or ballot card or series of cards. A number issued by NASED to a system that has been tested by certified Independent Test Authorities for compliance with the Qualification Number national test standards. The issuance of a Qualification Number indicates that the system qualifies for certification process of states that have adopted the national standards. A report of results of independent testing of a voting system by an Independent Test Authority indicating the date testing was Qualification Test Report completed, the specific system version tested, and the scope of tests conducted. 36 Touch &Vote Mississippi Qualification Testing RAM (Random Access Memory) Recall issues (with options) Recertification Remote Device ROM (Read Only Memory) Server Software Source Code Split precinct The examination and testing of a computerized voting system by an Independent Test Authority using national test standards to determine if the system complies with the national performance and design standards and with its own specifications. This process occurs prior to state certification. Memory that provides immediate access to any information in storage. RAM in computers is in the form of an integrated circuit that provides the voting system with quick-access volatile memory. Information can be read from or written to RAM. However, when the power is turned off, all information in RAM is lost. The process that allows voters to remove elected representatives from office prior to the expiration of their terms of office. Often, the recall involves not only the question of whether a particular officer should be removed from office, but also the question of naming a successor in the event that there is an affirmative vote for the recall. (There is no provision for the recall of federal office holders.) The state examination, and possibly the retesting, of a voting system, which was modified subsequent to receiving state certification. The object of this process is to determine if the modification still permits the system to function properly in accordance with state requirements. A peripheral device that is not on-site, and is connected to a voting system by a communications link, such as a telephone line, through the use of a modem or similar device. A nonvolatile form of memory that, once programmed, cannot be changed. ROM can be read from, but cannot be written to. If power is lost, the information in ROM remains. Also, the information in ROM cannot be changed by a voting system operation. On a local area network, a voting system running administrative software that controls access to the network and its resources, such as printers and disk drives, and provides resources to voting systems functioning as workstations on the network. On the Internet or other network, a computer that responds to commends from a client. The application and operating system programs associated with a voting system, as opposed to hardware that refers to the physical components of a computer system. A programmer codes a program in a specific language called source code. The source code of the computer language is then compiled, interpreted, or assembled into object code by the computer. The result is a machine language program in binary form, which can be run by the voting system. See Precinct 37 Straight party voting Support Software Systems Software Tabulation Telecommunications Under votes Utility Verification Vote for N of M Voter Registration System Write-in-voting A mechanism by which voters are permitted to cast a vote indicating the selection of all candidates on the ballot for a single political party. Software that aids in the development or maintenance of other software, for example compilers, loaders and other utilities (from IEEE Std. 610.12-1990). The software for a particular voting system, supplied by the manufacturer, and necessary for the basic operation and maintenance of the system. The software may be resident in ROM, or provided on disk or tape. Systems software generally includes the operating system, the I/O routines, diagnostic and debugging programs, and the programming language capabilities. Same as Count The transmission and reception of information of any type, including data, television pictures, sound, and facsimiles using electrical or optical signals sent over wires or fibers or through the air. The practice of voting for less than the total number of election contests listed on the ballot, or of voting for less than the number of positions to be filled for a single office (i.e. A person would under vote if a contest required the selection of 3 out of a given number of candidates, and the voter chose only two candidates). Voting system software or firmware of a generic nature that assists the computer (and the programmer) in performing tasks as directed in specific applications programs. The process of evaluating a system or component to determine whether the products of a given development phase satisfy the conditions (such as specifications) imposed at the start of that phase (from IEEE Std. 610.12-1990). A ballot choice in which voters are required to vote for a limited number of candidates for a single office from a larger field of candidates. (For example, in an election for city council voters may be told that they can only vote for six -the number of council seats up for election- out of twelve candidates actually listed on the ballot). A set of processing functions and data storage that maintains records of eligible voters. This system generally is not considered a part of a Voting System subject to these Standards. A means to cast a vote for an individual not listed on the ballot. Voters may do this by using a marking device to physically write their choice on the ballot or they may use a keypad, touch screen or other electronic means to indicate their choice. 38