To make every vote count, elect touch-screen machine
Furnish polling places with a Direct Recording Electronic (DRE) voting system to ensure that each vote is correctly cast and accurately counted. Consists of 1 or more touch-screen stations, which resemble ATMs (automated teller machines) used at banks. Each station stores and transfers votes electronically for fast tallying of results. Also offers Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) that can be read easily by voters, optically scanned, and used to conduct any subsequent audits. When entering polling place, voters receive a GoVote Key, similar to a smart card. The key assures that each person votes only once, and election official must then re-initialize key to allow reuse. Stations interactive screen guides person through voting process, assuring that all voting remains anonymous, confidential, and tamper proof. To meet ADA requirements, each station features Braille keypad, oversized text, buttons, and audible response. Voter can confirm selections both on-screen and on paper-based Proof of Vote, within privacy of voting booth. When satisfied with selections, voter then deposits paper record into ballot box at polling place. A local area network (LAN) connects each station to on-site administrative workstation. After election is over, the workstation instantly reports cumulative, electronic results, while allowing archiving of results onto a CD-ROM. Built-in data safeguards and battery back-up assure operation in case of power failure. System supports multiple languages, plus ends need to stock multiple, pre-printed ballots. Also complies with Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA), by which voting machines must produce a permanent paper record with manual audit capacity for each ballot cast. In addition, the system has received federal qualification by the National Association of State Election Directors for use by any U.S. county.
