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Early Appraisals of Electronic Voting

Benjamin B. Bederson

Bongshin Lee

University of Maryland

Peter L. Francia

East Carolina University

Robert M. Sherman

Frederick G. Conrad

Michael Traugott

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Richard G. Niemi

University of Rochester

With the recent troubles in U.S. elections, there has been a nationwide push to update voting systems. States and localities are investing heavily in electronic voting systems, many of which use a touch screen. These systems offer the promise of faster and more accurate voting; however, the current reality is that they have some shortcomings in terms of voter usability. This study examines issues related to the usability of electronic voting systems and reports on a series of usability studies that involved expert review, close observation, a field test, and an exit poll to learn voters’responses to a new voting system. Our analysis shows these systems work well; however, they have some shortcomings including some that have raised concerns among a minority of voters.

Key Words: electronic voting systems • direct recording electronic (DRE) • voting usability

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