Tally and Reporting Manual · Tally & Reporting Manual Version 4.7.12 June 15, 2004 Page ©Avante International Technology, Inc. 3. 8.2 ELECTRONIC RECOUNT

Tally and Reporting

Manual

Avante International Technology, Inc.

VOTE-TRAKKER™ EVC308SPR

Version 4.7.12

June 15, 2004

© Avante International Technology, Inc.

Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION: TALLY, CANVAS, RECOUNT, AND DATA

STORAGE .............................................................................................................................. 5

1.1 WHO SHOULD USE THIS MANUAL?..................................................... 5

1.2 WHAT IS THE VOTE-TRAKKER™ TALLY MODULE?..................... 5

1.3 THE SET LOCATION FUNCTION – FLEXIBLE TALLY

REPORTING ............................................................................................................................ 5

2. UNDERSTANDING VOTE-TRAKKER™ SECURITY..................... 6

2.1 USERNAMES AND PASSWORDS ................................................................... 6

2.2 AUDIT TRAILS ........................................................................................................ 6

3. HOW THE VOTES ARE TALLIED................................................................ 7

3.1 HOW THE TALLIES ARE CREATED........................................................... 7

3.2 HOW THE INDIVIDUAL RESULTS ARE COMPILED......................... 8

3.3 TALLY DATABASE ............................................................................................... 8

4. SUPPORT .......................................................................................................................... 9

5. CLOSING OF THE POLLS ................................................................................ 11

6. THE VOTE-TRAKKER™ TALLY MODULE ...................................... 12

Tally & Reporting Manual Version 4.7.12 June 15, 2004 Page ©Avante International Technology, Inc.

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6.1 TALLY INTRODUCTION ................................................................................. 12

6.1.1 Delivering the Results to the County Office .....................................................................................12 6.1.2 Recommended Software Procedures..........................................................................................12

6.2 STARTING THE MODULE .............................................................................. 13

6.2 STARTING THE MODULE .............................................................................. 14

6.3 TALLY MENU TABS ........................................................................................... 17

6.3.2 Import Tabulation Functions.............................................................................................................18 6.3.3 Show Source Tabulation Function....................................................................................................28 6.3.4 Show Summation Function...............................................................................................................34 6.3.5 Raw Data Function ...........................................................................................................................45 6.3.6 Event Log Consolidation ..................................................................................................................45 6.3.7 User...................................................................................................................................................48 6.3.8 Windows...........................................................................................................................................49 6.3.9 About ................................................................................................................................................49

7. CANVASSING PROCEDURES............................................................................................ 50

7.1 ONE PERCENT MANUAL RECOUNT........................................................ 50

7.2 WRITE-IN VOTES ................................................................................................ 50

7.3 PROCESSING AND COUNTING PROVISIONAL VOTES ................ 51

7.3.1 Alternative Provisional Vote Count (Card Method) .........................................................................52

7.4 COLLECTING AND REVIEWING BALLOT IMAGE

INFORMATION ELECTRONICALLY ...................................................................... 54

7.4.1 Raw Data Menu Function .................................................................................................................54

8. CONTESTS AND RECOUNTS......................................................................... 58

8.1 MANUAL RECOUNT........................................................................................... 58


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8.2 ELECTRONIC RECOUNT ................................................................................ 65

9. LOGIC AND ACCURACY TEST ................................................................... 69

9.1 LOGIC AND ACCURACY TEST OUTLINE ............................................. 69

9.2 THE VOTING SCRIPT........................................................................................ 70


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1. INTRODUCTION: TALLY, CANVAS, RECOUNT, AND DATA

STORAGE

1.1 WHO SHOULD USE THIS MANUAL?

This manual is intended for the county election administrators and their designated employees

who are in charge of tally, canvass, recount and data storage functions. All of these functions are

critical as they complete and validate an election.

1.2 WHAT IS THE VOTE-TRAKKER™ TALLY MODULE?

The VOTE-TRAKKER™ software is a set of modular tools that create, interact, and total the

election ballot database. The Tally tool is designed for totaling, reporting as well as examining

the results of an election and the raw data of every ballot cast for that election.

The VOTE-TRAKKER™ is designed on a relational database format. This means that one

administrative database contains the necessary information for all ballot styles available in a

jurisdiction or even in an entire state. All of the voting options, candidate names and issues etc.

are stored for as many ballot styles as desired. The administrative database is copied onto every

VOTE-TRAKKER voting unit that is used during the election, meaning that every voting unit

can record, tabulate and report the results of all ballot casts in any ballot style on that machine.

Each unit records its own data onto a CD-R for the Tally module to accumulate the total result.

1.3 THE SET LOCATION FUNCTION – FLEXIBLE TALLY REPORTING

For this system to work, a tally level and location is required. This tally level and location are

entered when the Tally module is first used in an election. The purpose of setting the location is

to tell the computer from where it should expect the tally results. For example, a computer

running the tally program in a county’s central tabulation office is set at “County” level. This

means that all of the election results are accumulated from lower level tallies (precinct totals or

each voting machine result). Normally the tallies will arrive in the form of CD-Rs and paper

back up at the County Office as Precinct Tallies.


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2. UNDERSTANDING VOTE-TRAKKER™ SECURITY

2.1 USERNAMES AND PASSWORDS

The VOTE-TRAKKER™ modules all require entering in a username and password to start each

module. The Tally module requires the supervisor level username and password, while the Test

Voting module (used for printing ballot images) require a lower level. When the VOTE-

TRAKKER™ is shipped, the usernames and passwords for each of the supervisor levels are

preset to be the same set of codes. It is recommended that the first time the user runs each

module that they change each username and password to a unique combination and keep this

information in a safe place.

Warning! – Once you change a username and password, you must keep this information stored

in a secure location. Once the information is lost or forgotten, Avante cannot retrieve it. The

only solution at that point is to reinstall all of the software. Reinstalling will change all the

usernames/passwords to the shipped default status.

2.2 AUDIT TRAILS

VOTE-TRAKKER™ is the first touch screen system to produce a paper record for the voter to

review that is kept in control of the system at all times. Every voting unit records a CD-R at the

time of the close of voting that contains the tally file, the ballot image of every ballot cast and the

Event Log file. This provides many options for audit trails and recounts. This manual will

describe the preferred method for all of these processes. Sometimes, the law, security, or

economics will dictate a preferred method. The law is always the primary method.


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3. HOW THE VOTES ARE TALLIED

3.1 HOW THE TALLIES ARE CREATED

At the end of the voting process, the poll workers close the VOTE-TRAKKER™ voting unit to

stop further voting. A print out of the results for “Normal”, “Provisional” and “After-Hour

Provisional” voting will be created (The result for the “Provisional” and “After-Hour

Provisional” should be zero count for every contest because no provisional ballot has been

counted yet at the election night). The poll workers sign off on these printouts and record any

other necessary information like the counter numbers. A CD-R (or other chosen storage media)

inside the VOTE-TRAKKER™ has the same tally information recorded onto it. After the paper

print out is signed, the voting machine is opened and the CD-R is removed. This disc can then

be hand transported, sent via modem, Internet, etc. to a central counting location.

To make this easier, a precinct tally is created by having any of the voting machines at the

polling place as the host machine to consolidate the tally from other machines via the wireless

network that exists in each machine. The precinct total tally will be printed out on a paper report

and also stored in a storage media (a CD-R or other chosen storage media).

The tally information is a summary of the votes from the database. The CD-R also contains

provisional vote ballot images for processing in the canvass. These ballot images are kept in a

secret and separate database. The verification of the provisional vote is performed in accordance

with the local law requirements.

The ballot image of each ballot cast is retained in the flash memory card, the hard drive, and the

CD-R. The CD-R is recommended as the primary removable storage media to retain a record of

ballot images for the term required by the local law.

The result of absentee ballot is tabulated from the Optical VOTE-TRAKKER unit that scans,

tabulates and reports the results of all eligible absentee ballots. The absentee results can be

exported to a removable storage media and consolidated into the central tabulation computer.


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3.2 HOW THE INDIVIDUAL RESULTS ARE COMPILED

The VOTE-TRAKKER Tally module is used to compile the election results. It keeps track of

four different types of data that come from each voting machine and absentee ballot tabulation

computer, that is, “Normal”, “Provisional”, “After-Hour Provisional” and “Absentee”. The Tally

module retrieves the voting results (“Normal”, “Provisional”, and the “After-Hour Provisional”,

respectively) from the CD-R that contains the precinct or individual voting machine result, and

prevents duplicate import of the data by tracking the voting unit’s serial number. The “Absentee”

tally from the county counting center can also be consolidated into the total results. If there are

hand counted ballots like Absentee or some emergency type ballot, the results can be entered in

manually.

3.3 TALLY DATABASE

It is important to note that the same administrative database that was used to create the ballots,

needs to be active on the tabulation computer in order for the Tally program to accept individual

tallies. Before accepting an input of election result, the computer will use this administrative

database to verify the eligibility, integrity and accuracy of the data. The administrative database

is the key to control the validity and accuracy of the entire election process. Two different ballot

databases cannot be combined using the Tally module because there is no way to determine

whether the data to be imported is eligible.


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4. SUPPORT

All necessary software is preloaded at the factory. Backup CD's are included in case a

complete reinstallation is required. If there is a software problem, the user must contact

Avante Customer Service before attempting to do a complete clean installation.

This manual assumes that the user is familiar with the Microsoft Windows Operating System.

Some database skills are helpful but not required. It helps to determine the ballot information.

This software allows the administrator to manage the individual ballots for a set geographic

region without having to draw it out ahead of time.

Technical support can be contacted by calling (800) 735-5040. Hours of operation are 8:30 AM

to 5:00 PM EST Monday to Friday.

Avante will provide limited warranty on any hardware or software that is covered in the sales

contract for the term stipulated in the service contract. We will repair, or replace if needed, the

malfunctioned hardware or software. Software upgrades will also be provided after such

upgrades have been approved by the federal and the state testing agency. Additional copies of

the operating manuals can be obtained in CD-R from the Avante sales/service contact.

Generally, Avante does not sell the printer and/or scanner to the county as part of the absentee

ballot processing system. The county may use any existing equipment or buy new Commercial

Off The Shelf products and ask the vendor or manufacturer of such equipment for technical

assistance should the equipment not functioning properly.

Users can also send questions or comments to [email protected]

Note on Reinstallation of Software on the Ballot Generation Computer:

If there is a reason to reinstall any of the software onto a Ballot Generation Computer, the first

step is to use the local computer’s “Add/Remove Programs” program that is located in the


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mailto:[email protected]

Control Panel. Remove each module that needs to be reinstalled. Once finished, the installation

of the module is then performed following the directions included with the installation discs.

If the software on the OPTICAL VOTE-TRAKKER™ computer needs to be reinstalled, the

county’s designated IT staff needs to use the special password to get into the desktop of the

computer because the access to the desktop is password-protected in the OPTICAL VOTE-

TRAKKER™ computer. Once the access to the computer’s desktop is granted, follow the same

procedure outlined in the paragraph above.

The only change that occurs during reinstallation of the software modules is that the

usernames/passwords revert back to the default usernames/passwords. Refer to the instructions

that are shipped with the software discs for the default usernames/passwords. All database

information is saved separately and will not be affected.


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5. CLOSING OF THE POLLS

Once the poll workers close the voting machines at the polling places, each voting machine will

create one copy of the tally print out. The individual machine’s tally is also stored in the pre-

assigned storage media (floppy disk, CD-R or flash memory card).

To create more copies of the tally report, use the “Print Tally Report” button.

Press

Figure 5.A

Consolidating the tally from each voting machine in the precinct to achieve a precinct total is

available by selecting ONLY ONE machine as the host to poll the others automatically via an

encrypted wireless network. This machine will print out a final Precinct Report tally with a list

of all the VOTE-TRAKKER™ machines polled. The precinct total tally is also stored in the pre-

assigned storage media. A copy of each tally printout and the tally storage media should be

transported to the county tabulation center.

Once received by the election office, the results can be accumulated using the Tally module

software.


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6. THE VOTE-TRAKKER™ TALLY MODULE

6.1 TALLY INTRODUCTION

The VOTE-TRAKKER™ Tally module is used to consolidate tally reports and perform recount

verification functions. Imagine the ballot database at this point to be a cabinet with many unfilled

drawers. The Tally module is the tool that allows you to fill those drawers with the correct

amount of items. As results are consolidated, the information can be exported electronically or

in print to the Secretary of State’s office, the County web site, news media, etc.

6.1.1 Delivering the Results to the County Office

The machine totals are delivered to the County Office for counting in the form of CD-Rs and

paper tally printouts that contain the exact same tally data on the CD-R. The county can also

choose to transmit the tally results using existing network connection to the tabulation center.

6.1.2 Recommended Software Procedures

This entire section is devoted to describing the use of the Tally module software. The software

has some features that are optional to the County. Refer to the flow chart in Figure 6.1.2A as a

guide for finding information, by section, for a standard election accumulation. Although some

procedures may be optional, they may serve as necessary alternative procedures due to an

emergency or a future technology advance.


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Figure 6.2.1A

Standard Election Night Procedures

Receive Precinct Tallies onCD-R and Paper

Start TallyModule

& Log In

Select Tally Level and Location

Import CD-Rs inTally Ballot Database

Show Vote Summary

Review forIncomplete

Results

Print Results

Transmit ResultsElectronically for

SOS,website, etc.

Not Complete

Complete

Section 6.2

Section 6.2

Section 6.3.2 &6.3.2.1

Section 6.3.3

Section 6.3.4

Section 6.3.4.1

Section 6.3.4.1


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6.2 STARTING THE MODULE

To start the Tally module double click on the “Vote-Trakker Tally” icon (Figure 6.2A).

Figure 6.2A

The next screen (Figure 6.2B) is the log in screen and requires the user to enter a supervisor level

User Name and Password. Click “OK” to continue.

Figure 6.2B

After logging into the module, Figure 6.2C will appear to remind you to select the current

database location.

Figure 6.2C


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D

C

B

A

Figure 6.2D

This reminder then leads you to the “Set Current Database Level & Location” screen (Figure

6.2D). The level and location determines the basis of the tally. For example, if you are the

county level administrator and you want to tally all of the votes that are in your control, you

select the “County” level. All of the tally results must come from levels that are below the

County level.

Description of “Set Current Database Level & Location” Screen

A) Shows the current level and location that is set for this tally. The first time you see this, it

will be completely blank. This function tells the Tally software where the votes will be

coming from and how high up the accumulation of votes will reach. This function is

required in order to prevent double votes from being entered and from entering unauthorized

votes. The level of tally selected determines which location levels (State, County,

Municipality, Precinct, Ward/District) are shown in this section. In Figure 6.2D, the

“County” is the tally level. Therefore, only the State (CA) and County (Madison) are

shown.


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B) From this section of the window, you can set the level where the tall results are accumulated

by clicking on the level. If this software were used at the precinct to accumulate votes, the

level would be “Precinct.” If this accumulation were occurring at the County office, then the

“County” level would be selected.

C) Click on each geographic location from “State” to “Ward/District” that completes the

“Level” selected. In this example, you only have to select the “State” and “County”

locations of CA and Madison, respectively. Although the software will allow selecting the

lower locations, this will have no affect in setting a tally location/level.

D) Click on “Set” to set the current location and level. If there are existing votes imported into

the current ballot database, a message will remind you to delete all data to set a new

location. The level and location will remain in place with no change made. Select “Quit” to

exit this window.


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6.3 TALLY MENU TABS

The following menu (see Figure 6.3A) contains the main functions of the Tally module.

Figure 6.3A

Function Description

File Contains the Exit function.

View Activates or deactivates showing the Status Bar. The Status Bar displays

the current time and date on all open windows.

Tally Contains sub menus to Set Location, Show Source Tabulation, Show

Summation, Import Tabulation.

Raw Data Contains the Raw Voting Data screen that provides functionality for

Import, Search One, Show All, Exit. See sections 7 and 8 for procedures.

Event Log

Consolidation

Contains the Import function to consolidate the event log from multiple

VOTE-TRAKKER and Export consolidated file. Search function for

desired information based on a few key words.

User Contains a menu that allows an election officer to reset the User Name

and Password.

Windows Contains sub menus that control the size and location of open Tally

Module windows.

About Provides information about the version level of the Tally Application and

additional information about the system (PC) running the program.

Note: Import Tabulation contains additional sub menus consisting of:

By Floppy Disk, By E-mail, CD, By Local Network, Type In (By Fax)


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6.3.1 Tally Menu

The Tally menu, (see Figure 6.3.3A), contains sub menus, Set Location, Show Source

Tabulation, Show Summation, and Import Tabulation.

Figure 6.3.1A


Set Location This menu, (See Section 6.2), is used to Set the Current Database Level &

Location that was created in the ballot generation. In order to generate Tally

result reports, the voting machine database level, and location must be set.

Show Source

Tabulation

The Show Source Tabulation (See Section 6.3.4), screen provides detailed

information about the public questions and contest ballot image data.

Show

Summation

This function is described in Section 6.3.5. Totals are generated and reported

with this function.

Import

Tabulation

Import Tabulation contains additional sub menus consisting of:

By Floppy Disk, By E-mail, CD, By Local Network, Type In (By Fax)

and By Mass CD

6.3.2 Import Tabulation Functions

The process of totaling all of the election results begins with the function of importing the totals

into the ballot database. This is performed electronically or manually. When importing the

election results, there are safeguards to prevent entering a set of results more than one time. In

addition, safeguards prevent false data from entering the ballot database. When the election

results are input manually, there has to be careful consideration for secure input. It is

recommended that the input be performed in plain view of several witnesses. Again there are the


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same measures in the software that prevents from adding more results once a given location is

closed out. Whichever method of import is used, only levels lower than the set location is

accepted by the software.

Figure 6.3.2A

6.3.2.1 Import by Mass CD

Since we recommend that CD-R be the primary removable media to store a permanent copy of

the election data from a voting unit, consequently the county central tabulation center may

anticipate receiving many CD-Rs that need to be processed to achieve a semi-final total result.

To help the election officials simplify this process, we designed the “Import by Mass CD”

function. This function allows the computer to automatically load the selected information from

any CD-R that is available at the local drive or on a network, and eject the CD-R after the

required data is imported.

The “Import by Mass CD” function can be activated by selecting the “Mass CD” option in

Figure 6.3.2A. (Note: using a non-supervisor-level username and password at the login screen of

the “Tally” module can also activate this function, but is limited to use this function only.)

The “Import by Mass CD” function allows the election official to choose what information is to

be imported from the CD to the computer: tabulation file, ballot images, and event log files. All

three files can be imported at the same time.

Figure 6.3.2.1A is the operating screen of the “Import by Mass CD” function.


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Figure 6.3.2.1A

As data loading process begins, the blank area in Figure 6.3.2.1A will show the progressive

status report of the data loading from a CD-R.

If a CD-R contains both the consolidated precinct tally and the result of the individual voting unit

that was selected as the host during the precinct consolidation, the “Import by Mass CD”

function will only import the tabulation file of the consolidated precinct tally.

6.3.2.2 Import by Floppy Disk

Place the floppy disk received from the polling place or from the OPTICAL VOTE-

TRAKKER™ computer . Once the function is selected, the computer automatically searches the

floppy disk for the file “Tabulation” and start loading the results. A status/progress bar appears

when importing data from a floppy disk (Figure 6.3.2.2A).

Figure 6.3.2.2A

During the floppy import process of source tabulation data, the progress bar will check for

duplicate data. When done, you can import a second floppy by selecting this function again from


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the main menu. If the module finds that duplicate data exists, the system will prompt the user to

delete the duplicate source data first before importing new source tabulation from the floppy

disk.

Deleting the source tabulation files (data) to restart the tally may be required when performing a

recount. Therefore, to delete the source tabulation data, refer to section 6.3.3 for more

information.

Figure 6.3.2.2B

6.3.2.3 Import by E-Mail, CD

The following screen, (See Figure 6.3.6C), shows a dialog box that the user will use to select the

location/folder, filename, and file type to import an E-Mailed source tabulation data file. This

can be a file located on the hard drive or on CDR or any future storage device used to transport

data. The tabulation data file is named Tabulation.mdb (or Tabulation.mdbConsolidation if it is

for the consolidated precinct result) in the CD disc.

Figure 6.3.2.3A


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6.3.2.4 Import by Local Network

If the County would like to transport election results via a private local network, the Tally

module allows import via such a network. Selecting the “By Local Network” from the “Import

Tabulation” menu opens a network dialog box (Figure 6.3.2.4A). Click on the “Listen” function

to make the network connection. Click on the “Disconnect” function to log off the network. The

details of your specific network and other security issues are under the supervision of the local IT

administrator. Refer to them for guidance. They can be referred to Avante for further help.

Figure 6.3.2.4A

6.3.2.5 Import by Type In (By Fax):

The Import by Type In screen allows the input of any tally information that is not ready to be

imported by other methods listed above. For example, entering the tally result from a paper tally

report if the floppy disk is missing or damaged, or other authorized entry.

To type in any tally, the first step is to select the source address and the level of tally you want to

modify. Refer to the screen shown in Figure 6.3.2.5A. Select the state, county, municipality,

precinct, ward/district and Vote-Trakker serial number. Then select the level you want to modify.

The screen shows that the level is selected as “County”. Select the type of tally you want to


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modify (normal, provisional or absentee). Make sure the Source Status (Yellow area) is either

“New Entry” or “In Process”. Click on the “Select” button to select the location and level.

If you will modify a County level tally, you do

not have to select the address that is of lower

level. i.e. selection of ward /district and Vote-

Trakker serial number is not required.

This rule applies to other level selection.

Make sure the Source Status is either

“New Entry” or “In Process” before

pressing the “Select” key. If the Source

Status is “Completed”, you cannot

Figure 6.3.2.5A

Do not confuse the level you just selected with the one you have set when you first opened the

tally module. The latter is the level of tabulation this center will generate, while the level in the

above screen only refers to the level of tally you want to modify.

The level of tally you want to modify must be lower than the level of this tabulation center. For

example, in a county-tabulation-center official want to modify some tally through the Import by

Type In screen, the highest level of tally he/she can modify will be Municipality.

Once the “Select” button is pressed, a confirmation screen will appear (or an error screen if you

did not follow the rule mentioned above). Once a right address and level is accepted, you will


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find that the three blank areas on the top of the Figure 6.3.2.5A are filled in with the location and

level you just selected (See Figure 6.3.2.5B).

Figure 6.3.2.5B

You can now select the “Question” or “Contest Position & Candidates” to add votes.

The above screen shows “Contest Position & Question” has been selected. The left side shows

all the contests available. One of the contest is highlighted with an arrow. The right side shows

all the candidates of the contest highlighted.

Before you enter any vote to a tally, the Source Status for this tally is “New Entry”. As soon as

any vote is added, the status will be changed into “In Process”. A type of tally contains any “In

Process” status cannot be exported to other tabulation center. You must finish adding votes to all


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the candidates and questions and then close this tally level. Once a tally is closed, the status will

change into “Completed”.

You can start to add votes for each candidate. Please note that at the lower right half of the above

screen, the name of the candidate shown will get the added votes. Key in the number of votes

you want to add for this candidate in the “Number Voted” area, then press “Add”. The “Score”

area will be automatically updated according to the “One vote, one point” principle.

For a write-in candidate, click on the “Write-In?” area. The name area will be unlocked. Type in

the name of the candidate and the number of votes.

If you added votes to any candidate within a contest, you must add a number to the “Number

Voted” area for all the other candidates for that contest, even if the number is 0. Otherwise, the

list of candidates in this contest will be shown in the “Review of Missing Contests” area. (Press

the yellow button to see).

After all votes have been added to all of the candidates (even if it is 0!), move to the lower left

half of the type in screen, put in the number of “Blank Vote” (No Vote or Abstain) for

that contest, and click on the ‘Total” button. The following message appears (Figure 6.3.2.5C):

Figure 6.3.2.5C

Make sure that all votes are entered correctly. Click on the “Yes” button. A confirmation

message will appear. If you go to the “Review for Missing Contests” again, you will see that no

candidate is listed there anymore. However, it is not done yet.


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Go to the “Review for Open Location” area. Refer to the next screen.

Figure 6.3.2.5D

You will see the current Ward listed in that screen. That is because you have just completed

adding vote for one contest. Votes also need to be added to the other contests and questions

EVEN if it is 0.


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To add votes to public question, select the “Question” tab in Figure 6.2.3.4E.

oxes

Enter data in

these 3 b

Figure 6.3.2.4E

Simply input the number of Agree, Oppose, and No Vote for a question, then press the “Total”

key. Select another question and repeat the process for all other questions.

Once you have entered votes for all candidates and questions, go back to Figure 6.3.2.5A by

selecting the “Source Location” tab and press the “Close” button. If there is any thing missing,

an error message will appear and will indicate the number of candidates and/or questions need to

be added votes.

Note: All manual additions will be included in the final tally reports and manual

additions/deletions reported in the system event logs showing who entered the manual changes,

which location/machine was involved, and the date and time of the manual addition/deletion.

The event log(s)provide full disclosure, tracking and verification of all changes/modifications to

the imported tally source data.


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6.3.3 Show Source Tabulation Function

This function will show the level of the question or contest, the question or contest type, the

number of votes, for or against, or no votes for the question or contest. It will also provide

information on the source tabulation type such as; Normal, Provisional, Absentee. It will list the

source level (voting machine), the source ID (special ID code assigned to a particular voting

machine) and the voting machine name or serial number (Source Name).

C

B

A

Figure 6.3.3A


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Description of Source Tabulation Screen for Public Questions

A) The top portion of the screen contains several functions buttons that apply in the same

manner whether this screen is showing the “Contest Position” or “Question” tabs.


Delete One Source Tabulation Select a source to delete by highlighting it inside the table.

Delete All Source Tabulation Will delete all of the source tabulation for both Questions

and Contest Positions.

Source Tabulation Information After selecting this function, a window appears with

information about the source of the data entered.

Review for Missing Contests Select this function to go to a window that displays

information about which contests have missing data.

Refresh Re-displays the screen reflecting any changes.

Exit Exits and returns to main menu of Tally module.

B) For the Question Tab, the various Public Questions for this ballot database is shown. Each

line in the table represents one Question, one source, and one type of voting. The

combination of these three items makes up a unique combination for all lines within the

table. In the example shown, the normal voting result for machine number VTD0200110 for

the County level Public Question was 35 for, 24 against, and 10 no votes.

C) Displays the currently selected line within the table. For Public Questions, the level of the

question is shown, then the source location, then a brief description of the Question. In this

example in Figure 6.3.3A, the County level question about Highway 25 is shown.


29

C

B

A

Figure 6.3.3B


30

Description of Source Tabulation Screen for Contest Position

A) The top portion of the screen contains several functions buttons that apply in the same

manner whether this screen is showing the “Contest Position” or “Question” tabs.


Delete One Source Tabulation Select a source to delete by highlighting it inside the table.

Delete All Source Tabulation Will delete all of the source tabulation for both Questions and

Contest Positions.

Source Tabulation Information After selecting, this function window appears with information

about the source of the data entered. (Section 6.3.3.1)

Review for Missing Contests Select this function to go to a window that displays

information about which contests have missing data. This

function applies to manual input of voting data.

Refresh Re-displays the screen reflecting any changes.

Exit Exits and returns to main menu of Tally module.

B) For the Contest Position Tab, the various Contests for this ballot database is shown. Each

line in the table represents one Contest, one source, and one type of voting. The combination

of these three items makes up a unique combination for all lines within the table. The table

shows for each unique Contest/Source/Voting Type a total number of votes; of that total,

how many were “Blank”; and how many of the total were Write In votes. In the example

shown, the normal voting result totals for machine number VTD0200110 for the State level

Contest of Insurance Commissioner was 69 total votes. Of the 69 votes, 2 were blank (no

votes) and 2 were Write-In votes.

C) Displays the currently selected line within the table. For Contest Positions, the level of the

question is shown in the left column. The next column to the right is the source location. A

small table on the right shows the contestant names, party affiliation, total number of votes,

and whether the contestant is a Write-In vote. In this example in Figure 6.3.3B, the State

level contest from CA/Madison/Hillsborough/Precinct 9/Ward 1/VTD0200110 is shown.

The table shows that “Susan H Ross” was the winner for that machine with 22 votes.


31

6.3.3.1 Source Tabulation Information Function

C

B

A

Figure 6.3.3.1A

Description of Source Tabulation Information Tab

A) The “Current Database Level & Location” screen describes the geographic location and level

that is currently set in the Set Location function (see section 6.2).

B) “Received Source Tabulation Information” tab describes what tally data has been received.

The combination of “Tabulation Type” and “Original Source Name” is unique for each line

in the table. If it were not, then the voting data would be duplicated. The system will not

allow this to happen. What type of data, where it came from, and when it arrived into the

ballot database is described here.

C) Shows the origination of the source of voting data for any highlighted line in the table.


32

A

B

Figure 6.3.3.1B

Description of Remaining Source Tabulation Information Tab

A) The “Current Database Level & Location” screen describes the geographic location and level

that is currently set in the Set Location function (see section 6.2).

B) “Remaining Source Tabulation Information” tab describes what tally data has not been

received. To view which data is missing, select the geographic location by highlighting the

respective levels. To the right will appear a list of VOTE-TRAKKER™ S/N that have not

sent results into the ballot database. As shown in Figure 6.3.3.1B, the State and County

Level are not available. This is because the tally is generated at the County level. All of the

voting data is coming from levels lower than County.


33

6.3.4 Show Summation Function

Once the Tally module has received the tally data, a summation function displays totals. You

can output the totals to a Word document for further printing or electronic broadcast.

The Show Summation drop down menu activates a special window that shows details of what

particular questions and contests will be included in the Tally reports.

Figure 6.3.4A

The following screen (Figure 6.3.4B) is a sample screen for the summation.

Figure 6.3.4B


34

You can choose to see the tally result of any combination of these four types of result: Normal

(registered voters voted on election day); Provisional; After-hour Provisional, and Absentee.

Check the box besides each type you want to see then click the “Show” button. (Also choose a

party if it is a primary election).

All write-ins with the same candidate name will be consolidated in each contest. Since the

election result may contain too many write-in names, the “Print Out Write-in” option allows you

to choose whether the write-in names be printed on the election result report. Any write-in

candidate who wins the election (including tied winner) will be printed on the report regardless

of your choice.

6.3.4.1 Show Summation Print Report, Export Tally and Qualified Write-In

The “Show Summation Screen” p

shown, printed, or exported. Whe

shown and select from the menu b

File- containing the submenu for

Export- containing the option to

CDR, E-Mail, or Local Network)

Qualified Write-In Candidate- F

candidates and the rest.

Tally & Reporting Manual Version 4.7.1Page ©Avante International Technology, Inc.

Figure 6.3.4.1A

rovides details and controls over what tally results will be

n activated, the user can act on what type of details will be

ar for these options:

different options on printing voting result reports

export the election result data to a selected media (by Floppy,

iltering those write-in votes for pre-qualified write-in

2 June 15, 2004

35

Print Report

You can choose to print three types of election result report: total tally result report, precinct total

report and ballot type report. The “Print Report(total)” command will generate a total tally result

report based on the result and settings in the “Show Summation” screen. The “Precinct Report”

would give you a result report for the precinct you selected. Ballot type report will give you the

result report for all ballot casts for a ballot type (the ballot type number in the “Ward/District”

box). All types of report are in the Microsoft Word format. Since most jurisdictions have their

own requirements on the format of such report, the actual layout of the tally result report may

vary.

To print out the total tally result report, choose “Print Report (total)” from the menu.

To print out precinct report, choose “Precinct Report” from the menu.

Below is the screen that you can choose the precinct (s) report to be printed.

Figure 6.3.4.1B

You can choose to print the report for one precinct only or for all precincts.

The three buttons shown in Figure 6.3.4.1A regarding ballot type (or ballot style) report are

explained below.


36

The ballot type report is generated based on the raw data imported from the CD-R disc from

every voting machine (Note: Ballot type report is not available for paper ballots scanned through

the Optical VOTE-TRAKKER system.) Before generating any precinct report, follow the

instruction in Section 6.3.5 on how to import the raw data from CD-R disc.

I will give you an analogy that will help you understand the entire process of generating the

ballot type report, and the function of each of the three buttons:

Imagine that you use a bucket to fill up a swimming pool with water so that you can swim in it.

- Clear Existing Ballot Style Report: This will delete any existing ballot style report and

raw data in the database, meaning that you empty the swimming pool with no water left

in it. Whenever you need a fresh start, you can choose this button.

When you import the raw data from the CD-R, you are filling up your bucket with water.

- Append Ballot Style Report: Use this button to add the newly imported raw data into

the pool of data upon which the ballot type report will be calculated. This step means that

you just emptied your bucket and the water has been added into the swimming pool. It is

up to you to decide how often you use this button. You can do it once every CD or

several CDs.

When you have filled up the pool to your desired level, you can try swimming. This is the

function of the last button.

- Print Ballot Style Report:

al Version 4.7.12 June 15, 2004

Page ©Avante International Technology, Inc.

37Figure 6.3.4.1C

Tally & Reporting Manu

Figure 6.3.4.1C is a sample screen for the “Print Ballot Style Report”. The “1,2,3,4” are

available ballot type numbers. You can choose the “Print All Ballot Style Report” for all four

ballot types or choose any single ballot type and click the “Print One Ballot Style Report”. The

“Select One Ballot Style” will allow you to preview the voting result of the selected ballot type

before you decide print the report.

Export

The “Export” function offers election officials in a lower-level tabulation center the ability to

transfer the completed regional tally to a higher-level tabulation center. For example, a precinct-

level tabulation center combines the tally from every Vote-Trakker within that precinct to form a

“Precinct Total” tally. The precinct official can then export the “Precinct Total” tally to the

county tabulation center, for example, via floppy disk, email, local network, or CDR.

Export to Floppy

The following screen, (see figure 6.3.4.1C), shows how the tally information is exported to a

Floppy disk. The system will provide a progress monitor bar to inform the user of the export

progress. Users cannot change any data file names that are to be exported or imported.

Figure 6.3.4.1C


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Export to CDR

The following screen, (see figure 6.3.4.1D), shows how the tally information is exported to a

CDR disk. The system will provide a progress monitor bar to inform the user of the export

progress.

Figure 6.3.4.1D


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Export to E-Mail

The following screen, (See Figure 6.3.4.1E) shows the E-Mail transfer menu.

Figure 6.3.4.1E


40

Export via A Network Connection

The following screen, (See Figure 6.3.4.1F) shows the Network Export transfer menu.

Figure 6.3.4.1F


41

Qualified Write-In Candidate

If you have pre-qualified write-in candidate, you can type the candidates name in Figure

Figure 6.3.4.1G

Choose from the contest list for contest to which the qualified write-in candidate will be added.

Type in the First Name, Middle Name (if available) and Last Name for a qualified write-in

candidate, then press the “Add” button. You can highlight an existing qualified write-in

candidate from the candidate list and click the “Delete” button to delete it.

What will happen to the qualified write-in candidate?

When you are ready to print the tabulation result report, there is an option for whether to print

out the Write-In candidate or not (See Figure). The result for a qualified write-in candidate will

be included in the tally report even when the “Print Out Write-In” is not selected.

Figure 6.3.4.1H


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6.3.4.2 Show Summation Detail Screen

The Show Summation screen provides the ability to set how the Tally module will select,

display, print and export tally data. The user can also export individual results for only Normal

votes or Provisional Votes or Absentee Votes or if desired combine any combination together

(Normal + Provisional) or (Absentee + Provisional) etc. The system will only allow the data to

be received one time in order to make sure no duplicate or wrong data is received. If the user had

made an error, they must delete their source data, correct all mistakes and re-send the new

corrected information or reload the current ballot database.

A

B

C

Figure 6.3.4.2A


43

Section A from Figure 6.3.4.2A

Tally Type:

Normal - Refers to standard ballot cast data .

Provisional - Refers to a ballot cast where the voter's registration record was not available to the

election officials and the voter provided proof of residency and signed an affidavit allowing them

to vote as a provisional or challenged voter. The voter's provisional vote is not recorded at the

time of the election along with the other normal votes. The voter's cast ballot is written to a

special smart card which is then returned to the election officials for processing and verification

of residency after the election has closed.

After-hour Provisional- Refers to voters who cast ballot after the original poll closing time

when the poll is extended because of an emergency order.

Absentee - Refers to a vote cast by a voter who was granted permission to mail an absentee

ballot because they could not vote in person.

Result Type:

Local Result - If this check box is selected, only the result for local contests/questions will be

shown in the summation. A local contest/question is defined as 1) this contest/question must

apply to the selected location and level; 2) the level of the contest/question must be equal to or

lower than the set location level.

Cross Result - Activating this check box will provide the result of all cross–level

contests/questions. A cross-level contest/question is defined as 1) the level of the

contest/question must be equal to or lower than the set location level 2) the contest/question must

not apply to the set location and level. For example, If you set the tally location & level as

Madison County & County level, a Municipality Level contest in another county is a cross-level

contest.

Upper Result - This function provides results of contests and questions higher than the set

location level.

You can choose any combination for Tally Type and Result Type.


44

Section B from Figure 6.3.4.2A

This section shows all of the Public Questions that are in the ballot database. The table lists the

Question level and the voting results. To view specifics about which geographic location this

Question applies and the title section of the Question, highlight the line in the table. On the right

side shows the geographic information plus the text of the Question title. As shown in Figure

6.3.4.2A, the Madison County level question regarding “Highway 25” has a vote total of 35

“Agree”, 24 “Oppose”, and 10 “No Vote”.

Section C from Figure 6.3.4.2A

This section shows all of the Contests that are in the ballot database. The table on the left lists

the Contest Position names, the level, and the vote totals. The table on the right is a single

highlighted Contest with a list of each candidate and their vote totals. The example in Figure

6.3.4.2A shows the office of Insurance Commissioner highlighted. The table of candidates

shows that Susan Ross won with 22 votes.

6.3.5 Raw Data Function

This function is designed for the canvassing stage. Use this function to import the ballot image

data from every voting unit’s CD-R, to import and validate the provisional ballots (if smart card

is not used as the media to carry provisional ballot cast) and to perform manual recount. The

description of this function is found in the Canvas (7) and Recount (8) sections of this document.

6.3.6 Event Log Consolidation

Click the “Event Log Consolidation” button on the main menu bar will lead you to the following

screen (Figure 6.3.6A)

porting Manual Version 4.7.12 June 15, 2004

Figure 6.3.6A Tally & Re Page ©Avante International Technology, Inc.

45

The purpose of the “Event Log Consolidation” option is to import the event log from the CD-R

or flash memory card of each voting machine, consolidate the event log information into one file

and allow for exporting or searching for certain contents. After consolidating the event log, the

election administrator will have one file that contains the event log from every voting machine

used in the election, without having to go through every single CD-R or flash memory card to

search for the information needed.

Click the “Import” button in Figure 6.3.6A. In the next screen you can tell the computer where to

find the “Event Log” file. You should have already the CD-R or flash memory card in your

laptop.

Figure 6.3.6B

Once you find the targeted “Event Log.mdb ” file, click the “Open” button in Figure 6.3.6B.

Wait until you see a “Done!” screen that confirms the event log has been loaded into the

computer’s database. To look at the detailed information in the event log file, choose “File”

button from the menu bar (Figure 6.3.6A) and then select the correct type of event log (i.e.

Voting Event Log).

You will be asked to choose whether to review the event log from a single machine or from

multiple machines. The next screen (Figure 6.3.6C) allows you to make your choice.


46

Tally & Reporting Manual Version 4.7.12 June 15, 2004 47Page ©Avante International Technology, Inc.

You can choose “One Machine” and select a machine from the list (although there is only one in

the sample screen above) or choose “All Machine”. Click the “Confirm” button to continue.

Figure 6.3.6C

Below is a sample screen of the voting event log file, see Figure 6.3.6D.

Figure 6.3.6D

The event log provides the audit trail on “Who Did What at When?”. The “Search” button

provides the ability to search and display all the records related to the key word you entered.

Figure 6.3.6E is a sample for the search result with “tally” as the keyword.

The

The

T

Figure 6.3.6E

The “Export” function allows you to transfer the consolidated event log to other storage media

for back up. When you export the event log, you can choose whether to export the event log of

your own laptop computer as an added file to the consolidated event log files.

6.3.7 User

The User drop down menu, (See Figure 6.3.7A), provides access for the election officials to

change their user name (log-in) and password.

Figure 6.3.7A

Figure 6.3.7B


48

6.3.8 Windows

The Windows drop down menu, (See Figure 6.3.7A), contains the following sub menus.

Figure 6.3.8A

Cascade

Tile Horizontally

Tile Vertically

This menu provides control over how menus and widows are displayed as the user utilizes the

various menus and functions of the Tally module.

6.3.9 About

The About menuprovides information about the version number of the Tally module program. ,

(See Figures 6.3.9A).

Figure 6.3.9A


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7. Canvassing Procedures

7.1 ONE PERCENT MANUAL RECOUNT

Per state law, a manual recount of 1% of the precincts may be performed during the canvassing

period.

This is performed by taking the printed paper records from each of the chosen precincts for the

recounts and counting them by hand. A minimum of four people is required to perform a hand

count. One person to declare the vote, one to review for errors, and two to keep a tally. The

results obtained from this recount are then compared to the machine totals.

Another way to do the recount is to randomly select 1% of the printed paper records (no matter

from which voting machine the paper record was printed). Upload the raw data from each CD-R

from the voting machine to form a pool of raw data (the machine’s record of how each vote was

cast). Pull out the record for a specific vote cast (using the “Search One” option in “Raw Data”

and type in the 24 digit tracking number on the paper record) and compare with the

corresponding paper record.

7.2 WRITE-IN VOTES

Write-in votes recorded by VOTE-TRAKKER optical scanning system need to be processed

manually by the election officers. This process includes invalidating any voter’s attempt to write-

in the same candidate for an office more than once (if this is not allowed) and transcribing the

scanned write-in image files into names in text format so that the write-in votes can be

accumulated electronically. Once all eligible write-in votes are processed, the modification to the

final official tally report can be achieved by manual adjustment


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7.3 PROCESSING AND COUNTING PROVISIONAL VOTES

The ballot database provides an option of whether to use the provisional voter’s smart card to

transport the tally result into the provisional votes counting unit. Once the central tabulation

computer has received any tally results, only the Administrator can change this option.

Note: The next paragraph applies only if the smart card is not chosen as the media to carry

the provisional ballot cast (This option is chosen when preparing the ballot database.)

Figure 7.3A

Use the “Import Provisional” button in the “Raw Data” screen (See Section 7.4) to import the

provisional votes stored in the “ProvisionalRawData0” file found on the floppy disk or the CD-R

from a DRE voting unit. Provisional VID numbers can be viewed on the “VID” column by

location (where the voter cast the ballot, from the State level down to the Ward level) or by

showing all numbers at once. Select the VID number that is verified as legitimate and select the

“Verify One” button. You can also select multiple numbers by clicking the box next to each

number( the box will be checked) and select the “Verify Marked” button. Once all of the correct

provisional VID numbers have been verified, the “Finish” function is pressed. By pressing the

“Finish” function, no more provisional votes can be verified and a tally of the processed

provisional ballots will be added into the total tally result. In addition, no tally result can be seen

until the “Finish” function is enacted. This is to prevent someone from being able to determine

one individual vote. Any ballot images are only viewable after the process of verifying

provisional ballots has been finished.


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7.3.1 Alternative Provisional Vote Count (Card Method)

Some counties may prefer to store the provisional votes on the Provisional VID card and use this

card as the ballot that is counted. To add these votes to the tally, they first must be authorized

per state law requirements. To count the verified cards, a VOTE-TRAKKER™ voting machine

must be set up with the ballot database loaded. The machine must not have been used in any

precinct in this election. The ballot database loaded onto this voting unit differs from other

regular units in that a special “Administrator” is allowed to handle voting (This user is the same

person who assigned the poll workers ID/Password in the User Management function in the

Generate Ballot Data module). The “Administrator” must be the last login user who puts in

the username/password to access the voting program. Otherwise, the counting provisional

ballot program will not be operational.

From the Administration screen on the VOTE-TRAKKER™, select “Verified Provisional

Cards” (Figure 7.3.1A).

Figure 7.3.1A

Press

This brings up the next screen (Figure 7.3.1B).

Version 4.7.12 June 15, 2004

Page ©Avante International Technology, Inc.

52Figure 7.3.1B

Tally & Reporting Manual

WARNING: A Vote-Trakker is not responsible for verifying the eligibility of the voter.

Please make sure that only provisional voting cards from eligible voters be inserted into the

card reader to be counted.

Once a provisional ballot card is inserted into the card reader, the following screen, the computer

will transfer the voting result from the smart card to the election result database. Once this

process is completed, the voting result on the smart card will be erased. The next screen, Figure

7.3.1C will appear:

Figure 7.3.1C

Press the “OK” button.. The screen returns to Figure 7.3.1B with the voting machine ready to

count another provisional vote. Remove the counted card and insert another card, until all votes

have been counted. Close the voting using the “Close Voting” command. A CD disc inside the

VOTE-TRAKKER™ will contain all of the provisional vote tallies when the voting unit is

closed. You can load the provisional tally result from the CD disc into the central tabulation

computer as you would for a CD from an election day voting unit.

If you have an eligible provisional voter’s envelope, but the smart card containing his/her ballot

cast is lost or damaged, you can still recover the result. Strictly follow this procedure:

1. After all provisional cards (except any bad cards) are tabulated on one or more voting

units, close every voting unit and import the tally result and the raw data (ballot images)

from each CDR into the central tabulation computer.

2. In the Generate Ballot Data module on the central tabulation computer, an administrator

(Username: Admin1) is required to log in and change the provisional ballot processing

option to “not using smart card”.

3. From the provisional voter’s envelope, you should know the voting precinct where the

ballot was cast. Collect the CDR(s) generated by every voting unit used in the precinct


53

and load the provisional raw data into the central tabulation computer and then verify the

missing vote (follow the instruction for Figure 7.3A).

4. After all provisional votes in lost or damaged cards are transferred into the central

tabulation computer, close the count and add the result into the central tally.

7.4 COLLECTING AND REVIEWING BALLOT IMAGE INFORMATION

ELECTRONICALLY

An alternative to viewing the paper voter receipts is to view the data electronically. This is

performed using the Tally module. To view procedures for loading and other options in the

Tally module, refer to section 6 of this manual.

7.4.1 Raw Data Menu Function

This is the main screen used for the Raw Data function. Form here all of the ballot image

information is retrieved, checked, and viewed. The first step is to import the data. The sealed

ballot image data is stored on a CDR.

Note: Back up copies are stored on flash memory modules and the hard drive on the voting

machine.

Figure 7.4.1A


54

Insert the CD-R into the CD drive. Press the “Import Normal” button (Figure 7.4.1A). A dialog

box appears for locating and opening the file (Figure 7.4.1B).

Figure 7.4.1B

Select the file named “ The_First_Store_Media” or “The_Third_Store_Media" and press “Open”

to import the file. The above two files mirror each other so you can choose any one of them to

open. A confirmation screen appears telling you information about the imported data.

(Figure 7.4.1C) Select “Yes” to import the data. If you try to import duplicate data, the software

will reject the second try and give you a warning message (Figure 7.4.1D).

Figure 7.4.1C

Figure 7.4.1D


55

Once imported, the main screen (Figure 7.4.1A) will remain blank. To view all of the data (as

shown in Figure 7.4.1E), select the “Show All” function.

Note: The “Show All” button is not available if there are any provisional ballots to be verified in

the database. Complete the task of processing provisional ballots first.

Figure 7.4.1E

When showing all of the data, the Contests and Questions are shown for every vote. Each line

represents one contest or question. The Receipt Number ties all of the line numbers to one voter.

For the Contests, the table provides information about the Contest level, Position, Party (for

primary ballots), Candidate ID, Candidate name, Candidate Party, a score, and the type of voting

(Normal, Provisional, or Absentee). For Questions, the level, type, party (for primary ballots),

vote result, and vote type are listed. The box on the lower right is the full title screen of the

Question that is highlighted in the table.

Import Provisional Ballot Images

This function is designed for importing the necessary information needed to verify provisional

ballots directly in the database. The difference between the “Import Normal” and “Import


56

Provisional” buttons is that the “Import Provisional” function allows the ballot images for

verified provisional ballots to replace those for not-verified provisional ballots if duplicate ballot

images are detected. Always use the “Import Provisional” button when you are importing any

data that is related with verifying the provisional ballots directly in the database.

Delete Function

To delete all of the raw data, select the “Delete” function. A message appears for you to confirm

the action. Select “Yes” to complete the action.

Check CRC Function

In order to ensure that the raw data is the correct data, select this function. The CRC check will

look at a special security code within the data file. If the code is authentic, the message will

appear saying the code is correct. If the data has been manipulated, the message will warn that

the data is not correct.

Note: This function is automatically performed when importing the data. If the data is not

correct, the data will not import. This check is used when there is a suspicion of the imported

data that is now on the computer hard drive.

Search One Function

To search for a particular receipt number, select this function. An input screen appears (Figure 7.4.1F).

Figure 7.4.1F

Type in the receipt number and press “OK”. The main raw data screen will then show the voting

for that particular receipt number.

Print Function

Select this function to print all of the raw data. Formatting is performed automatically. The file

will print to the default printer.


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8. CONTESTS AND RECOUNTS

There are many forms of and reasons for a recount. There are two major types of recounts –

automatic and manual. In some cases, the person who contests the election may get to choose

the method, in other cases, the law will dictate one method over the other.

8.1 MANUAL RECOUNT

Manual recount is performed by counting the paper voting records printed at the time the voter

cast the ballot. The paper record is more secure and the vote is not ambiguous. Totals then are

determined using the four-person team as described in previous sections for hand counting.

Individual ballot images can be reprinted from the central tabulation computer where the raw

data file from each voting machine’s CD-R has been imported to the Tally program. To

reproduce the ballot image file of each ballot cast, run the Test Voting module and select the

“Sample Ballot/Ballot Image” button.

Figure 8.1A


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The “Generate Ballot Images” screen will come up. See Figure 8.1B. Select the “Generate Ballot

Images” option at the top of the screen. The lower portion of the screen will display the ballot

casts that are ready to be printed.

Figure 8.1B

Operation Options for Figure 8.1B

Report Setting

• Select the check box to “Overwrite Old Ballot File”.

• The boxes under the “File Path” and “File Name” are not accessible for change. Change to

each box is made by selecting the “Set” button.

• The “Set” button opens up the Windows standard “Save As…” function. From there, a file

path and file name is selected.

• Use the “Report Head” box to type in a title to the ballot image or sample ballot file.


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Ballot Image Options

All ballot casts are listed in the “Receipt#” table according to the random tracking number on the

paper audit trail, in increasing order. You may select to generate all ballot images (by selecting

the “All Ballot Images” option), to generate a selected ballot cast (by selecting the “Individual

Ballot Image” option and then choosing the right receipt number from the list), to specify the

generation of several sequential order from the table (by selecting the “Part of Ballot Images”

option and then entering a starting and ending number), or to generate the ballot images for all

fleeing voter’s ballot casts.

Generated Ballot Files

Lists the path and file names of all ballot image files created. You may follow the path to review

the files.

Run

By pressing the “Run” function, the sample ballot or ballot image is created and stored in the file

that was named. To print the file, open the file in Microsoft Word and print to the appropriate

printer or print file.

Quit

Select the “Quit” function to quit this screen and return to the Test Voting module.

Examples of Ballot Images

The layout of the ballot image reflexes the actual screen shown on the DRE voting unit when the

voter makes the choice. Please see the following sample ballot images.


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Ballot Image#: 00100100010101001X598090


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Ballot Image#: 00100100010101001X598090


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Ballot Image#: 00100100010101001X598090


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Ballot Image#: 00100100010101001X598090


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8.2 ELECTRONIC RECOUNT

The simplest way to do an electronic recount is to reload the tally information from every voting

machine’s CD-R and check the tabulation result against the old one.

Another way to achieve an electronic recount is to scan the barcode printed on each voter

verified paper audit trail and then use the Tally software module to tabulate the result from the

data interpreted from the barcode scanning.

Before conducting the recount, you need to delete all existing raw data files loaded from voting

machine CD-Rs. To delete the raw data files, go into the “Raw Data” screen in the “Tally”

module and click the “Delete” button to delete them.

Figure 8.2A

There are two types of barcode that may be printed on the paper records:

one-dimensional barcode: such type of barcode is printed by “Star” printers

Figure 8.2B

two-dimensional barcode: such type of barcode is printed by “Seiko” printers

Figure 8.2C


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To scan the barcode, connect a barcode scanner to the central tabulation computer and run the

“Test Voting” program. In the “Test Voting” module, select the “Verify Paper Record Barcodes”

button, as shown in Figure 8.2D

Figure 8.2D

Figure 8.2E will appear; the system is ready to scan barcodes.

Figure 8.2E


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At the bottom of Figure 8.2E, there is a “Single Barcode” option. A single barcode means that

there is only one line of barcode printed on the paper records. Most of the paper records in 2-D

barcode will be printed as “Single Barcode”. Once the “Single Barcode” option is selected, the

“Show Result” button is automatically grayed out. It means that once a single barcode is scanned

successfully, the computer will display the interpreted voting result on the screen. You do not

need to click any button on the computer and you are ready to scan the next paper record.

Figure 8.2F

Most paper records in 1-D barcode may have to be printed in multiple lines (for 2-D barcode, if

there are too many contests/measures in the ballot, multiple rows of barcode may be printed). If

you find out that a paper record contains multiple lines of barcode, de-select the “Single

Barcode” option. The “Show Result” button is activated now. After you have successfully

scanned each row of barcode, click the “Show Result” button to display the voting result on the

computer screen.

Figure 8.2G

When you scan the barcode, hold the scanner trigger firmly and move in constant speed so that

the laser beam will scan across the barcode. Each row of barcode is scanned successfully when


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you hear the barcode reader beep and you can also see a green light indicator flash (depends on

the scanner). A 2-D barcode may not be scanned successfully in your first scan. You can keep

scanning top-down or bottom-up until you hear a beep from the scanner.

Once the barcode has been scanned successfully, the top row in Figure 8.2F will display the code

scanned. The computer will automatically interpret the code into the corresponding voting

selections and show each selection on the screen, as shown in Figure 8.2 H

Figure 8.2H

You may compare the paper record with the result shown on screen to make sure they match.

Move on to the next paper records until all paper records have been scanned.

To tabulate the result from scanned paper records, close the “Test Voting” program and go back

to the “Tally” module. Click the “Tally” button from the top menu bar and then select “Show

Summary” from the sub-menu. (This section has been explained in Section 6.3.4 in this manual).

Follow the instructions in Section 6.3.4.1 about generating “Ballot Style Report” to achieve the

tally of scanned paper records by ballot style.


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9. LOGIC AND ACCURACY TEST

After the voting machine is closed, a post election ballot logic and accuracy test can be

performed. The procedure is as follows.

9.1 LOGIC AND ACCURACY TEST OUTLINE

The logic and accuracy test is designed to be as automatic as possible. The process flow is

described in the following steps. The starting point of this process is after an election has been

closed. The ballot database from that election is still resident on the machine.

1. Turn on voting machine. Accessible keyboard and headphones are not required for L/A.

2. Log in to voting machine and perform the start up tests.

3. From the Administrative Screen, select “Machine Setting & Testing” function.

4. Select “Set Voting Machine” function.

5. Select “Run L/A Test” button.

6. The Test voting total is set to zero. A message appears to to reset the public counter to zero.

7. Votes are cast automatically. Test script is described below.

8. Message appears when voting is completed. Also reminds the user to check the counters.

9. Results are printed.

10. Compare to expected results.

When polls are opened, this L/A test function is not available. After the polls are closed using

the “Close Voting” function, the L/A function will be available in its same location for post

election re-testing. As long as the polls are not open, the L/A test can be performed. The

process would restart from step 6 in the above script.


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9.2 THE VOTING SCRIPT

To ensure complete testing, the L/A test looks at every available ballot style and votes a

complete set for each ballot style loaded. Two features not included in L/A testing are the use of

the printed receipt function and only an English ballot is tested. It would not be practical for the

county to use the printed receipt for L/A testing because the time and waste of paper involved.

Only the machine tally is printed. Since the multiple languages are tied directly to the English

names, the only way the ballot could be incorrect is if the language was not entered in the correct

column of the language export/import file. This can be checked off line from the L/A testing.

The test script is described in the following table. Contests 1 and 2 are “vote for one”. Contest 3

is “vote for 3”. No Vote is used to fill out a contest.

Contest 1 Number of Votes Totals

Cand A 1 1

Cand B 2 2

Cand C 3 3

Cand D 4 4

Cand E 5 5

Cand F 6 6

No Vote 7 8 9 10 11 45

Contest 2

Cand G 1 1

Cand H 2 2

Cand I 3 3

No Vote 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 60

Contest 3

Cand J 1 1

Cand K 1 2 3

Cand L 1 2 3 6


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Cand M 2 3 4 9

Cand N 3 4 5 12

Cand O 4 5 6 15

Cand P 5 6 7 18

Cand Q 6 7 8 21

Cand R 7 8 9 24

Cand S 8 9 10 27

Cand T 9 10 11 30

No Vote 10 22 32

Question 1

Yes 1 1

No 2 2

No Vote 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 63

The total number of votes cast is (N2+N)/2, where “N” equals to the number of candidate in the

contest with the largest number of candidates. For this election, Contest 3 requires 66 cast votes.

Since this is the longest contest, there will be 66 votes cast for this entire ballot style. The

expected results are totaled on the right hand side of the table. For the shorter contests and

questions, the remaining extra votes are cast as “No Votes”.

The ballot styles are defined by how the contests and questions are mapped to the geographic

locations used in the VOTE-TRAKKER™ system. Each possible ward is selected by the L/A

test. If the combination of contests and questions that is assigned to that ward is not unique to

that of previously selected wards, it will not be tested. A note in the tally will say that the

specific duplicate (meaning non-unique) wards were not tested.


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Documents

Tally and Reporting Manual · Tally & Reporting Manual Version 4.7.12 June 15, 2004 Page ©Avante International Technology, Inc. 3. 8.2 ELECTRONIC RECOUNT