US Election Assistance Commission - Voluntary Voting System Guidelines Vote
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Name :   Eugene Lee
Organization :   Asian Pacific American Legal Ctr. of So. CA
Post Date :   9/30/2005

Section Comments
Section :  2.2.7
Page no. :  2-10
Line no.:  
Comment :  Comments on Volume I, Section 2, Voting System Functional Capabilities, Page 2-10

2.2.7 Human Factors
The importance of human factors in the design of voting systems has become increasingly apparent. It is not sufficient that the internal operation of these systems be correct; in addition, voters and poll workers must be able to use them effectively. There are some special difficulties
in the design of usable and accessible voting systems:

• The voting task itself can be fairly complex; the voter may have to navigate an electronic ballot, choose multiple candidates in a single race or decide on abstrusely worded
referenda.

• Voting is performed infrequently, so there is limited opportunity for voters and poll workers to gain familiarity with the process.

• Jurisdictions may change voting equipment, thus obviating whatever familiarity the voter might have acquired.
• Once the ballot has been cast by the voter, there is no provision for subsequent correction.

• Voting must be accessible to all eligible citizens, whatever their physical abilities, language skills, or experience with technology.