eSlate
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why are we changing the way we vote? What’s wrong with our Op Scan system?
A: The Central Count Op Scan system has served Montgomery County well, but it does not meet the requirements of the Help America Vote Act passed by the federal government 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. HAVA also mandates new voting system standards regarding voter intent issues, which our current system could not meet.
Q: Why did Montgomery County choose electronic voting?
A: The new Montgomery County eSlate System has the several qualities that are essential in a voting system and to meet the new federal requirements. It is accurate, secure, provides clear voter intent by disallowing any overvotes and notifying all voters of any undervotes prior to allowing the ballot to be cast, and it is 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 Montgomery County Elections Administration Office, working with a 10-member, diverse Election Equipment Task Force appointed by the Montgomery County Commissioners Court investigated available systems for 2 intense months. They reviewed all systems certified by the Texas Secretary of State. The Montgomery County Commissioners, the Task Force, and the Administrator of Elections believe this system will serve Montgomery County voters well for many years to come.
Q: How much did the new system cost?
A: Montgomery County has signed a contract for $2.1 million to purchase the new voting system. This price includes all voting equipment and software for in-person voting and a new system for absentee voters. The purchase price is offset by an estimated $1.5 million in federal funds coming to the County as part of the Help America Vote Act. Hart will assist with implementation, long-term support, maintenance services, voter outreach and education, and comprehensive training for election staff and all poll workers. Current funds needed to print ballots will be greatly reduced.
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 9159 FM 1484 in Conroe for those wanting to come try it out. Additionally, groups may contact the 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/files/eSlate.swf or access the video or a slideshow about using the new system through our web site, http://www.MontgomeryVotes.org.
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 each election, election officials go through a process
of testing the machines to be sure they are working as expected.
This public test, 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 while voting, 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. Your vote is then stored in three separate
physical locations.
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 choose 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,
Montgomery 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
all cast vote records on paper. 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
tied that tells the eSlate which ballot you should receive based
on your precinct number. But the access code is not associated with
your name. It is, therefore, 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.
Q: What if I want to skip a contest?
A: Then you may do so. It is your decision and right to choose not
to vote in any race. Just use the wheel to scroll past the race
you want to skip. After you have voted in the last contest on the
ballot, a ballot summary screen will appear listing all the choices
you have made and will let you know if you missed voting in any
race. You will see a list of the votes you have cast, and any skipped
races will be noted with No Selection highlighted in red. You can
either go back and vote in the skipped race, or press the CAST BALLOT
button to submit your ballot with no votes for the races in which
you intend no vote.
Q: What if I accidentally vote twice in a race? Will my
vote be discarded?
A: The system will not let you vote twice unless the contest is
a “vote for two.” It is programmed to prevent “over
voting,” the term for when someone accidentally selects more
than the permitted number of choices in a race. If you change your
mind and select a different choice, the system automatically removes
your former selection and marks your new one. If you want to erase
your vote and make no other selection, just highlight your current
selection and press ENTER to de-select that choice.
Q: How do I know that my vote has been cast and counted?
A: Whenever a voter presses the CAST BALLOT button and the waving
American flag appears, the vote is cast and counted.
Q: If the power fails or if there is some other computer
failure will my vote be lost?
A: No. Your vote cannot be lost once you have pressed CAST BALLOT
and see the waving American flag. Your votes are stored in three
separate places with non-volatile memory, and all data is protected
and cannot be lost in the unlikely event that the system fails.
The system also has a battery back-up that immediately engages if
an electrical failure should occur. The batteries last for 18 hours
of continuous use.
eSlate is a trademark of Hart InterCivic, Inc. |
