Reply #22: Here's some things to ask [View All]

[harmonyguy]

And if the folks who bought the scanner (and accompanying software etc) don't know the answers to these questions immediately, then I would suggest that THEY haven't done their due diligence and have made an acquisition without a proper implementation plan.

Some of what you may want to find out is:

What make and model of scanner was acquired?
Is it brand new or acquired from another jurisdiction?
If not new, from what jurisdiction did it originate?
Does this particular scanner use a visible light read head or an infrared read head? (not all of the same make and model use the same type of read head)

What type of writing utensil is required to be used in order to mark a ballot for use in this scanner? (different read heads require different writing utensils)

What steps are your town taking to ensure that voters are provided with and understand the need to use, ONLY the proper writing utensil?

What are the ballot-printing specifications for this particular scanner? (paper type, paper grain, paper reflectivity, paper dimensional stability, ink type, ink color, ink reflectivity etc)

Will your town be printing their own ballots, contracting with a local print shop, or contracting with the scanner vendor to print the ballots?

If the town itself is not printing the ballots (and even if they are) do they have a written quality assurance and inspection process to ensure that the printing is done to the proper specifications? What town official will ultimately hold the responsibility to ensure that the ballots meet proper specification?

What process do they have in place as a contingency, in the event that the ballots ordered and printed do not meet specification? (in almost all cases, 'photocopying a blank ballot form at the local copymat' is NOT a good answer)

In the town's election day plan, what are the eventualities under which the town would revert to performing a hand count of the ballots, rather than using the scanner as intended? (and if they haven't thought this one through already, fire them!)

Who will setup or program the scanner for each election? Town staff, contractors, the vendor? (at what cost?)

Will the person(s) setting up the scanner for each election be a sworn election official? If not, why not?

This should get you started.
HG