Sangamon County's Electronic Voting System



	The following frequently asked questions concerning the electronic voting system are listed below to help educate voters. If you have questions that aren't answered here, e-mail us at county@co.sangamon.il.us or contact the Election Office at 753-6740. Q. What voting system has replaced the punch card system? A. The system is called the Populex Digital Paper Ballot System. It is classified as an optical scan voting system since it produces a paper ballot that is scanned to record and count votes Election Day, however, voters make selections with easy to use touch screen technology. Q. Why has there been a change from the punch card voting system? A. Although the punch card system had served Sangamon County well, Federal voting standards had been mandated pursuant to the 2002 Help America Vote Act and were to be in place by 2006. These standards included error notification to voters (allowing voters to correct mistakes before their ballot is cast) and a system that allows those with disabilities to cast a ballot privately and independently. This system meets all requirements. Q. How does this voting system work? A. After reporting to the Election Judges and signing all appropriate forms, a voter will be issued a blank ballot, privacy sleeve and plastic voter card. The voter then inserts the ballot and voter card into the voting machine. Next, the voter makes selections by touching the screen with the stylus provided. A finger or any other object will not be recognized. After making all selections, a voter will have their first of three opportunities to review their choices and make any desired changes. Once satisfied with their selections, the voter will print the ballot. The printed ballot may also be verified for accuracy two additional ways before it is cast. The voter returns the printed ballot, within the privacy sleeve, and the plastic voter card to a Judge who will scan the ballot and deposit it in the ballot box. To see complete voting instructions or experience an on-line demonstration click here. Q. Since this is an electronic system, is it possible votes could be lost or the system could be "hacked" into. A. No. Unlike other electronic touch screen voting systems that risk losing votes or possible outside manipulation, votes are not stored electronically inside the computer. Instead, an official ballot is printed with a bar code that contains the voter's selections which is then scanned to accurately record votes. Q. How do I verify my printed ballot? A. There are two ways to verify your printed ballot. Verify the votes by comparing the ballot position numbers printed on your ballot with the numbers corresponding to candidate names/referenda choices posted on the ballot position chart in the polling place. Verify the votes by placing the bar code printed on your ballot under the scanner mounted in the booth. When it is scanned, your selections will be displayed on the touch screen. Q. What if I want to make changes to my ballot? A. Before your ballot is printed, you can return to any office and change your selection by touching the "Back/Review" button located in the bottom left corner of the screen. After your ballot is printed, you must return your printed ballot and plastic voter card to an Election Judge. Your ballot will be marked "Spoiled" and you will then be issued a new blank ballot and voter card. Q. How does this system prevent common voting errors such as overvoting (voting for more than the maximum allowed) and undervoting (not casting a vote for every contest or making fewer selections than allowed). A. The system simply will not allow you to overvote an office. If you undervote a warning screen will appear at the end of the voting process. On that screen you may touch "Review Warning Pages" to go back and make additional selections or touch "Next Page" to finish voting without making changes. Please note that not voting for an office or for the maximum number allowed does not invalidate or spoil your ballot. It is important to review this warning screen in case an undervote was made in error and was not intended by the voter. Q. How does this system allow people with disabilities to vote independently and privately? A. An audio system and headset are available as well as a sip and puff device to allow all voters to vote independently and privately. Q. Can I try out this system in person prior to Election Day? A. Yes. Voting demonstrations are being held throughout Sangamon County to introduce and educate voters on the electronic voting system. Voting demonstration events will be announced through media outlets and are posted on our website. In addition, the voting machines will be available for demonstration in the Election Office, Room 105 of the County Building. Please click here for more information on voting demonstrations.