Taylor County eSlate Installation
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why are we changing the way we vote? What’s wrong with
the punchcard system?
A: The punchcard system has served Taylor County well, but
the federal government passed the Help America Vote Act on October 29, 2002. The Act
mandates the availability of voting systems that are accessible to persons with
disabilities, including those who are blind, in each polling site by early 2006.
Furthermore, it prohibits the use of punchcard systems in federal elections.
Q: Why did Taylor County choose the eSlate?
A: The new Taylor County eSlate Voting System has the three
qualities that are essential in a voting system and to meet the new federal requirements.
It is accurate, secure, and very accessible to all voters, even those who are blind,
visually impaired or who have limited or no mobility.
Q: How was the eSlate system chosen?
A: The Taylor County Elections Administration Office, working
with a 25-member, diverse selection committee investigated available systems for 18
months. They reviewed all systems certified by the Texas Secretary of State. The Taylor
County Commissioners, the Selection Committee, and the Administrator of Elections believe
this system will serve Taylor County voters well for many years to come.
Q: How much did the new system cost?
A: Taylor County has signed a contract for $866,145 to cover
the cost of the system. Federal funds dedicated to punchcard buyout under the Help America
Vote Act will reimburse the County for $853,000 of that. This price includes all voting
equipment and software for in-person voting and a new system for absentee voters. Hart
will assist with implementation, long-term support, maintenance services, assistance with
voter outreach and education, and comprehensive training for election staff and all poll
workers.
Q: Will voters have a chance to try out the new system before
they vote on it?
A: Yes. Voters will have a chance to take the new equipment
for a test spin. The equipment will be available daily at the Elections Administration
Office, located at 400 Oak Street, Suite 101 in Abilene for those wanting to come try it
out. Additionally, groups may contact Elections Administration Office to request a
presentation for a meeting having at least 25 or more in attendance or to check out a
"How to Vote Using the eSlate" video. You may also take the eSlate for a spin by
going to http://www.hartintercivic.com/flashdemo/eslatecontainer.html
Q: Is the new system based on a touch screen, like some ATMs?
A: The voter uses a rotary wheel to navigate through the ballot
and select his or her vote. This interface was chosen because it is more accurate and
durable than touch screen systems, and voters with limited or no vision also find the
system very easy to use. It also costs less to store and maintain, thus lowering the cost
of the system over the life of its use.
Q: I have never been able to vote without someone helping me.
Will someone be there to help me with this new system?
A: Yes. Someone will be there to help you, but the system is
designed to help you vote without assistance. There is an audio ballot reader that can
help if you have problems with your eyesight or difficulties reading the ballot for other
reasons, and a special HELP button is available if you have a question.
Q: How can we sure this system is working as it should be?
A: Before any vote is cast, there is a process of testing the
machines to be sure they are working as expected. This process, known as logic and
accuracy testing, allows election officials to be sure votes are counted as they are cast.
Q: How do I know that the way the electronic voting system
recorded my vote is the same way I intended to cast my vote?
A: After you have voted in the last contest on the ballot, a
screen will appear listing all the choices you have made, and it will let you know if you
missed voting in any race. Although you may change your selections at any time, you may
also make corrections from the ballot summary screen to make sure your votes are counted
the way you want them to be. When you are finished reviewing your ballot, press the CAST BALLOT button to put your ballot
into the electronic ballot box.
Q: Does the system have a paper trail?
A: Yes. Following each election, election officials can print
all cast vote records to paper should they chose to do so. At this time, however, the
State of Texas does not require a voter verifiable paper trail that can be printed and
viewed by the voter at the polling place. Should Texas lawmakers ever pass a law mandating
such a requirement, Taylor County, like all Texas jurisdictions, will comply. Our voting
system will support this capacity should it be required.
Also know that election officials have always and will always
ensure votes are recorded correctly, by testing the voting system programming and
validating it before and after the election – in the presence of witnesses – to
ensure that votes are counted and reported as they are cast, through a process known as
logic and accuracy testing. There are many other security features – both in process
and in equipment and software – built into the process.
Q: What if
a recount is necessary?
A: If necessary, the new system can provide election
officials with a paper Cast Vote Record. This Cast Vote Record provides a means of
recounting votes and ensuring that results are accurate. If preferred, officials can
compare the vote totals in the three separate vote storage locations to ensure they match.
Q: How do I know my votes are private and that there is not a
database in the computer somewhere that records how I have voted?
A: There is no way for the system to tie your vote to you.
When you vote, there is no identifying information recorded with your vote. You will be
given a randomly generated four-digit access code that tells the eSlate which ballot races
you should receive based on your precinct number. But the access code is not associated
with your name. Therefore, it is impossible to trace your vote.
Q: What if I change my mind or make a mistake after I have
pressed the ENTER button?
A: A voter can change any vote at any time until the CAST BALLOT button is pressed and you
see the American flag waving on the screen. To change a vote, just use the wheel to
highlight the candidate you want to vote for and then press the ENTER button. The earlier vote is erased,
and the new vote is recorded.
