[nfbmi-talk] Voting System Impressions

[Elizabeth Mohnke]

Hello All,

Posted below is the information I used when writing the voting resolution that was passed during state convention this past fall. It comes from the state of Maryland. There are documents you can read that contain data information collected during the testing phase of the new voting equipment that can be downloaded from the website. 

>From what I recall, they considered the same three voting systems that were used during yesterday's mock election plus a forth one. Below is the general information regarding the new voting system they procured which I believe was used during the Presidential primaries. If you would like to view any additional information, you can visit the website at http://www.elections.state.md.us/voting_system. 

Base on my experience from the mock election as well as what I have read about what other states are doing, I believe the state affiliate should go on record in recommending this new voting system as called upon in the resolution passed at state convention.

Warm regards,
Elizabeth 
  
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New Voting System - What you Need to Know

On October 30, 2014, the members of the State Board of Elections unanimously selected and certified Maryland’s new voting system for 2016 – Election Systems & Software’s (ES&S) EVS 5.2.0.0.  The contract to lease the equipment was approved by the Board of Public Works on December 17, 2014.   

The new voting system features the following pieces of equipment:
•DS200 Precinct Scanner and Tabulator:  Tabulates ballots marked either by hand or by the ballot marking device
•ExpressVote Ballot Marking Device:   Produces a voter verifiable paper record and allows voters with disabilities to vote privately and independently
•ExpressPass Printer:  Prints activation card to activate the ExpressVote ballot marking device
•DS850 High Speed Central County Scanner:  Tabulates absentee and provisional ballots

Maryland’s new voting system produces a voter-verifiable paper record – a “paper trail” – of each voter’s selections.  This was mandated in legislation passed by the General Assembly in 2007, however funding for a new system was not available until now. 

During early voting and on election day, voters will be given a pre-printed paper ballot. Voters will mark the pre-printed paper ballots by hand at a voting booth. Voters will review their marked paper ballots and then insert them into the DS200 tabulation device.  The ballots will automatically drop into the secure ballot box.  An accessible voting method is available upon request at each early voting and election day location.
 
If you want to learn about how SBE selected this system, visit the Voting System Selection and Procurement webpage.