New Voting Machine
System Questions
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What is the background and history on how Maryland got to be where it is
with the Diebold AccuVote-Touch Screen Voting System?
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What is the State's
position with respect to the report issued by Avi Rubin and the risk
assessment performed by Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC)?
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Why did the
State select a Direct Recording Electronic voting system?
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Are the DRE
voting systems tested?
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How can I be assured
that my vote is protected?
-
How is the vote
audited?
-
How are
election results posted for poll watchers?
-
How are 'write-in'
names read?
-
Is a sample ballot
sent out to voters in advance of Election Day?
-
How is a Recount handled?
-
What about a judge who might want to use the encoder to continue to
encode cards and slip them in for multiple votes for a particular
candidate?
Elections Procedures
Questions
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What are the requirements to become a registered voter?
-
How can I register to vote?
-
Can I register on Election Day?
-
If my 18th birthday is after the
Primary Election and before the General Election, can I register to
vote?
-
When am I officially
registered to vote?
-
If I changed my name or my
address since the last election, what procedure should I follow?
-
If I am a Maryland citizen and
residing in another country, can I register and vote?
-
Can I change political parties?
-
Do I have to affiliate with a
political party?
-
What is a Party Primary?
-
How do I request an Absentee
Ballot?
-
How do I cast an Absentee
Ballot?
-
Can I vote by Absentee
Ballot if an emergency occurs?
-
Must I vote by Absentee
Ballot if I have applied?
-
If I did not vote in the
Primary Election, can I vote in the General Election?
-
Do I need my voter's card to
vote?
-
Where will I vote on election day?
-
What time are the polls open on
Election Day?
What is the background and history on how Maryland got to be where it is
with the Diebold AccuVote-Touch Screen Voting System?
As
a result of the controversy surrounding the 2000 Presidential Election,
legislation was enacted by the Maryland General Assembly that gave the
State Board of Elections (SBE), in consultation with the Local Boards of
Elections (LBEs), the authority to select and certify a uniform,
statewide voting system. After reviewing the different types of voting
systems, SBE selected a Direct Recording Electronic (DRE) voting system
as the statewide, uniform voting system.
The DRE voting system was chosen because it is the most
accurate and accessible voting system on the market today. With a DRE
voting system, there are no questions of voter intent. A voter
cannot vote for more than one candidate for an office, all voters -
including blind and visually impaired voters - are able to vote a secret
ballot, and the ballots can be easily translated into multiple languages
to comply with federal minority language requirements. The technology
used in DRE voting systems is the same technology used for electronic
banking at ATMs, has been tested by independent testing authorities and
by states across the country, and has a proven record of accuracy and
security.
After a lengthy and extensive evaluation process, SBE selected the
Global Election Systems DRE voting system. Diebold, Inc., a leading
supplier of ATMs and other banking technologies, subsequently purchased
Global Election Systems, Inc. The Diebold AccuVote-TS voting system is
a touch screen system, meaning that the voter touches the screen to
select the candidate of his or her choice. The voter has the
opportunity to review his or her choices before casting a ballot and
using a headset and keypad, blind voters or voters with visual
impairments can cast a secret ballot for the first time.
On October 29, 2002, President Bush signed the Help America Vote Act of
2002 (HAVA). This landmark legislation requires each state to have, by
January 1, 2006, a minimum of one voting system in each polling place
that is accessible for voters with disabilities. To date, the DRE
voting system is the only certified voting system that is accessible for
voters with disabilities.
Maryland implemented the AccuVote-TS voting system in Allegany,
Dorchester, Montgomery, and
Prince George's
Counties for the 2002 elections. Nineteen counties are implementing the
voting system for the 2004 elections, and the remaining jurisdiction (Baltimore
City)
will implement for the 2006 elections.
What is the State's position with respect to the report issued by Avi
Rubin and the risk assessment performed by Science Applications
International Corporation (SAIC)?
The report issued by Avi Rubin and his colleagues made incorrect
assumptions. While Mr. Rubin and his colleagues are computer experts,
they are not election experts and, as a result, failed to consider the
laws, processes, and election officials that surround the election
process and protect the integrity of your vote.
ĂĽ
The
Diebold AccuVote-TS voting unit is a stand-alone unit and IS NEVER
connected to the Internet.
ĂĽ
The
Diebold AccuVote-TS voting unit does NOT have a curtain; while side
screens provide the voter with privacy while casting his/her vote, the
voter is observed at all times by election judges from different
political parties.
ĂĽ
The
Diebold AccuVote-TS unit has a public counter that records the number of
votes cast on the unit, and throughout the Election Day, this number is
compared to the number of voters who showed up at the polling place to
vote. Any discrepancy would be identified.
ĂĽ
In order
to affect election results, multiple people in the election preparation
process (over six different entities ranging from the vendor to the
Independent Testing Authorities to the independent third party
contractors to election officials at the state and local level) would
have to be in collusion and have the knowledge of the more than
600 ballot styles in Maryland.
ĂĽ
The
source code Mr. Rubin and his colleagues analyzed was NOT the source
code used in Maryland and will NEVER be used in Maryland.
ĂĽ
After
analyzing the source code, Mr. Rubin and his colleagues failed to find
any instances of coding that would have altered the way a vote
was recorded on the AccuVote-TS voting unit.
In
response to Mr. Rubin's report and to ensure that the voting system used
in Maryland was secure, the State of Maryland hired SAIC to perform a
risk assessment on the Diebold AccuVote-TS Voting System and the laws
and processes that govern and surround the election process. To SBE's
knowledge, a risk assessment had never been conducted on a voting system
and the processes that surround it, and SBE welcomed the findings of
this fair and comprehensive analysis.
The risk assessment identified threats and vulnerabilities and
recommended mitigation strategies to minimize the identified threats and
vulnerabilities. As a result of the risk assessment, SBE implemented an
action plan to mitigate the identified threats and vulnerabilities and
has already completed 16 of the 23 action items. Diebold has added
security keys and passwords that have been tested and implemented, and
unofficial election results will be encrypted before transmission. The
remaining action items will be completed before the 2004 Primary
Election.
Why did the State select a Direct Recording Electronic voting system?
The DRE voting system was chosen because it is the most accurate and
accessible voting system on the market today. With a DRE voting system,
there are no questions of voter intent. A voter cannot vote for
more than one candidate for an office, all voters - including blind and
visually impaired voters - are able to vote a secret ballot, and the
ballots can be easily translated into multiple languages to comply with
federal minority language requirements. The technology used in DRE
voting systems is the same technology used for electronic banking at
ATMs, has been tested by independent testing authorities and by states
across the country, and has a proven record of accuracy and security.
Allegany,
Dorchester,
Montgomery,
and Prince George's Counties implemented the voting system for the 2002
elections. These jurisdictions implemented the voting system first
because they were using the most outdated voting systems in the State -
the lever machine and punch card voting systems. By comparing the
number of voters who did not vote for the highest contest on the ballot,
the advantages of the DRE voting system are clear. In
Montgomery
County,
there were 2,862 'no votes' in the 2000 Presidential Election when it
used a central count, punch card voting system. There were zero
'no votes' in the polling place in the 2002 Gubernatorial Election, and
in the 2004 Presidential Election, there will be zero 'no votes'
in the polling place. This means that more voters had their votes
recorded as they intended than under the prior voting system. Like no
other voting system used today, the DRE voting system provides the
voters with the most secure and accurate voting.
Are the DRE voting systems
tested?
Yes. The voting system goes through a rigorous set of tests that are
performed by the Independent Testing Authorities (ITAs) - one for the
software (source code) and one for the hardware. The ITAs are certified
by the Federal Election Commission and follow the Voting System
Standards. The ITA tests to ensure that the voting system accurately
tallies votes and that the hardware is impervious to destructive
handling and magnetic devices. Maryland receives the executable
software directly from the ITA, not from Diebold.
In addition to the
testing performed by the Independent Testing Authorities, the State of
Maryland conducts tests on each voting unit before it can be certified
for use in the State. The pre-certification tests are defined by the
Federal Elections Commission and can be found at
www.fec.gov.
An independent contractor hired by the State and overseen by state
and local election officials tests
each and every voting unit before the unit is accepted for use in
Maryland.
Each and every voting unit is tested just before an election
to ensure that the voting unit records and tabulates votes accurately.
This pre-election testing is performed on a real ballot with the
internal clock in the voting unit set for the date of election day. A
post-election test is also conducted to verify tabulation and accuracy
are correct.
How can I be
assured that my vote is protected?
There are numerous checks and balances in the election
process. There is rigorous and comprehensive testing performed on the
hardware and software of the voting system and on each and every voting unit before the election as well as testing after the
election.
While the computers on which votes are recorded and tabulated are
important, the election officials administering the elections are
equally important. Maryland's election officials are committed public
servants who fully believe in the democratic process and the right of
every individual to exercise the right to vote. Their integrity is
beyond reproach. Additionally,
Maryland's
Election Judges are chosen for their trustworthiness and high
integrity. They take an Oath of Office to uphold the public trust.
These are the same judges in whom you have placed your trust for years
and years.
How is the vote audited?
Throughout Election Day, election judges match the number of votes cast
on the voting units against the total number of voters who entered the
polling place to vote. Any discrepancy will be noted. Post-election
auditing is included in the Canvass process. Prior to the Election, the
local board identifies 10% of the precincts that will be audited. One
hundred percent of the memory cards are re-run through the accumulation
process and compared to the Election Night. The votes cast on each
voting unit (public counter) are compared once again to the number of
Voter Authority Cards signed by the voters who came to the polling place
and cast their votes on the ballot. The individual totals tape from
each unit will be matched to the memory cards for each unit for the
precinct.
How are
election results posted for poll watchers?
A
small printer, much like the one used in adding machines, is attached to
the voting unit. It is in a locked compartment during voting hours.
After the polls close, the Chief Election Judge prints the vote totals
for each candidate in each contest. After the election judges sign the
printed report, the report is posted on the wall, as has been done in
the past.
How are “write-in” names read?
The Chief Election Judge has the option to print the
'write-in' votes,
which will include the 'write-in' names for each contest in which there
are 'write-in' entries. If this report is not printed and posted at
the polling place, the local board of elections will capture the
'write-in' votes when the official election results are reported from
each voting unit’s memory card.
Is a sample ballot sent out to voters in advance of Election Day?
Yes. A sample ballot will be mailed approximately 30 days prior to
Election Day. Voters are encouraged to fill out the sample ballot with
their choices prior to arriving at the polling place. This will
contribute to streamlining the process on Election Day.
How is a Recount handled?
There are three ways to conduct a recount on the AccuVote-TS voting
system. An individual requesting a recount may choose (1) an automated
recount of the central system; (2) an automated recount of the ballot
images; or (3) a manual recount of the ballot images.
(1)
The
automated recount of the central system involves creating a recount
database in the central computer and then rereading the memory cards
from the each AccuVote-TS voting unit affected by the recount.
(2)
The
automated recount of the ballot images is done by reading each vote cast
on each AccuVote-TS voting units from the precincts affected by the
recount and recording each vote cast on the
unit’s recount tally
sheet. This continues until all voting units affected are recounted.
(3)
The
manual recount of the ballot images is done by printing the ballot
images from each of the voting units affected by the recount. Once the
ballot images are printed, a team of election officials manually counts
the printed ballots.
What about a judge who might want to use the encoder to continue to
encode cards and slip them in for multiple votes for a particular
candidate?
There are at least two Election Judges in each polling place, one from
each major political party (Republican and Democrat) who ensure the
integrity of the vote. They not only observe and assist voters but they
also ensure that other election judges are not interfering with the
election process and are ensuring the integrity of the election. The
other election judges would certainly notice and report an election
judge that votes multiple times throughout the day.
In order to
receive an activated Voter Access Card, the voter must first sign a
Voter Authority Card. This Voter Authority Card is put in a receptacle
behind the voting unit on which he/she votes. The voting unit displays
a count of the number of times ballots were cast. During the day and
after the polls close, the number of 'Voter Authority Cards' are counted
and compared to the number of ballots cast on the voting unit. Any
discrepancy will be noted. Reconciliation occurs during the Canvassing
process that is performed by the Chief Election Judges and observed by
the local board of elections members. The Canvass is open to the public
What
are the requirements to become a registered voter?
Being a resident of
St. Mary's County and meeting the following requirements:
-
United States Citizen
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At least 18 years of age on or before the next General Election
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Have not been convicted (without a pardon) more than once of an
infamous crime
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Are not under a sentence or probation following conviction of an
infamous crime*
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Are not under guardianship for mental disability
*INFAMOUS CRIME means
any felony, treason, perjury or any crime involving an element of
deceit, fraud or corruption.
How can I register to vote?
There are several
ways to register to vote:
-
The Voter Registration Application can be obtained from the Board of
Elections Office by calling 301-475-7844 x1610 and is also available to
download in Adobe PDF format.
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Visit one of the following locations:
St. Mary's County Public Libraries
Motor Vehicle Administration
United States Post Offices
Department of Social Services
Health Department
Any Municipal Office in St. Mary's County
Please be sure to
indicate a party affiliation, sign the application and mail to:
St.
Mary's County
Board
of Elections, PO Box 197, Leonardtown MD 20650-0197.
Can
I register on Election Day?
No, the registration
books close 21 days before the Primary and General Elections.
If
my 18th birthday is after the Primary Election and before the General
Election, Can I register to vote?
Yes, if you are 18
years of age by the General Election, you may register and vote in the
Primary Election. If you are not yet 18 years of age on the day of the
Primary, you can still vote.
When am I
officially registered to vote?
You are considered a
registered voter when you receive your voter notification card from the
Board of Elections.
If I changed my name or my address since the last election, what
procedure should I follow?
You must notify the
Board of Elections in writing of your name or address change and sign
the request for these changes. The form can be obtained from the Board
of Elections Office by calling 301-475-7844
x1610 and is available to
download in Adobe PDF format.
If I am a
Maryland citizen and residing in another country can I
register and vote?
Yes. A Maryland
citizen residing out of the country may register and vote. In order to
vote, you need to request an Absentee Ballot using the Federal Post Card
Application.
Can I change political parties?
Yes. You can change
political parties at anytime except within the 12 weeks prior to a
Primary Election. The request must be received in writing by the Board
of Elections Office with an original signature. The form can be obtained
from the Board of Elections Office by calling 301-475-7844
x1610 and is
available to
download in Adobe PDF format.
Do I have to affiliate with a political party?
If you do not choose
a political party, you will be recorded as an "Unaffiliated". In a
Primary Election, an "Unaffiliated" is able to vote for any nonpartisan
office. In
St. Mary's County,
the Board of Education is a nonpartisan office.
What is a Party Primary?
Traditionally
Maryland has had closed Primary Elections. A closed primary is one where
only voters affiliated with a political party may participate in the
party nominating process.
How do I request an Absentee Ballot?
You must first
request an application to vote by Absentee Ballot. An Application can be
obtained from the Board of Elections Office by calling 301-475-7844
x1614 and
is available to
download.
How do I cast an Absentee Ballot?
After you have
received your Absentee Ballot from the Board of Elections Office follow
the instructions enclosed with the Ballot for voting and return the
Ballot to the Election Board.
-
If returned in person, it must be delivered to the Election Board
office no later than
8 p.m.
on Election Day.
-
If returned by mail, it must be received by the Board of Elections
Office no later than
4 p.m.
on the day after the Election and must be postmarked before Election
Day.
A Presidential
Primary, Special Election or General Election Absentee ballot mailed
from an overseas location can be received by the Board of Elections up
to 4 p.m.
on the second Friday after the Election, providing it is postmarked
before Election Day.
Can I vote by Absentee Ballot if an emergency occurs?
Yes, if you are
registered to vote, you or your duly authorized agent may apply in
person for an Absentee Ballot at the Board of Elections Office if:
-
You find out after the Absentee Ballot Application deadline that you
must be absent from the county where you are registered;
-
You have a sudden illness or accident;
-
You have a death or serious illness in your immediate family;
-
You have a physical disability or are confined within or restricted to
an institution
-
You are a full time student at an institution of higher education
located outside your precinct but within the county of registration,
and academic requirements prevent you from going to the polling place
on Election Day.
Must I vote by Absentee Ballot if I have applied?
Yes, you must vote
this ballot in the election, even if your plans change.
If I did not vote in the Primary Election, can I vote in
the General Election?
Yes, voting in one
election is not a requirement for voting in another election.
Do I need my voter's card to vote?
No, you are not
required to have it on Election Day. However, it would be helpful to the
Election Judges if you had it with you.
Where will I vote on Election Day?
After registering to
vote, you receive a Voter Notification Card in the mail which indicates
your precinct number and polling place location. You must always vote in
the assigned polling place for your precinct. Please keep this
notification as a reminder.
What time are the polls open on Election Day?
Throughout Maryland,
polls are open continuously from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Election
Day. Anyone standing in line at 8:00 p.m. will be allowed to vote.
