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> “vote marking machines” ?? In NYS the main process for voting is voter marks their paper ballot and then scans the marked ballot into the “reader” (DS200). O

> “vote marking machines” ?? In NYS the main process for voting is voter marks their paper ballot and then scans the marked ballot into the “reader” (DS200). Optionally, there is a “marking” machine (Automark) which has accessibility features. But this machine only marks the ballot, and does not read. The marked ballot must still be scanned. Are you proposing to eliminate the single scanner and have a new machine developed which marks and scans ballots? If that’s the case, that would be incredibly expensive and greatly slow the voting process. I say this having worked at polls for 15 years. Also, in the article— > “…the SAVE Act got a lot of attention […] because it requires in-person registration with specific documentary proof of citizenship (like a passport or State ID + birth certificate) that millions of citizens lack.” Some confusion in this, because while a passport may prove citizenship, it is not sufficient to prove eligibility to vote. Why? Because it doesn’t show your address, and eligibility from the Bureau of Elections standpoint is residency in an Assembly District/Election District. IE, you vote where you live because of local candidates and initiatives.

lokar 1y ago
There are two issues: Ballot design has a big impact on self marked ballots. Most of the time it’s fine, but some times it fails badly and a significant number of voters fill it out wrong without knowing. Second, for a small but significant fraction accessibility is an issue (visually impaired, language issues). This approach is fairly standard and affordable
- xtiansimon 1y ago
  And all of your concerns are addressed: - voters have three chances to vote if they make a mistake, knowingly. - the Automark helps with accessibility and independence, and you can ask a trusted friend/family member to assist. As to voters choosing the wrong candidate unknowingly, I don’t see software/hardware changes the problem. Just as easy to made bad design choices here (imho they’re worse than paper). As to affordability of hardware, that is not clear to me at all. The comparable costs of printed paper ballots and two machines (I think it’s per ED, or 750-1000 ppl in NY), versus 5-6+ units is not obvious. And where are these marking machines “standard”?
  - lokar 1y ago
    https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Butterfly_Ballot,_Florida_2000_(large).jpg#mw-jump-to-license https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Butterfly_Ballot,_Fl... The disabled and community has been very clear (reasonably) that hey deserve to vote on their own, without assistance
    - xtiansimon 1y ago
      Like I said, this is addressed by NY state bureau of elections: “… allows a voter with disabilities to privately and independently vote on a paper ballot. Audio and tactile interfaces allow voters with sight challenges to complete their ballot. Voters can listen to the selections over headphones or view an LCD screen with an image of their ballot that can be adjusted for size and contrast. A "Sip-N-Puff", or other compatible personal interface devices may also be used by voters with limited hand dexterity.” https://elections.ny.gov/ess-automark https://elections.ny.gov/ess-automark

lokar 1y ago

There are two issues: Ballot design has a big impact on self marked ballots. Most of the time it’s fine, but some times it fails badly and a significant number of voters fill it out wrong without knowing. Second, for a small but significant fraction accessibility is an issue (visually impaired, language issues). This approach is fairly standard and affordable

xtiansimon 1y ago
And all of your concerns are addressed: - voters have three chances to vote if they make a mistake, knowingly. - the Automark helps with accessibility and independence, and you can ask a trusted friend/family member to assist. As to voters choosing the wrong candidate unknowingly, I don’t see software/hardware changes the problem. Just as easy to made bad design choices here (imho they’re worse than paper). As to affordability of hardware, that is not clear to me at all. The comparable costs of printed paper ballots and two machines (I think it’s per ED, or 750-1000 ppl in NY), versus 5-6+ units is not obvious. And where are these marking machines “standard”?
- lokar 1y ago
  https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Butterfly_Ballot,_Florida_2000_(large).jpg#mw-jump-to-license https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Butterfly_Ballot,_Fl... The disabled and community has been very clear (reasonably) that hey deserve to vote on their own, without assistance
  - xtiansimon 1y ago
    Like I said, this is addressed by NY state bureau of elections: “… allows a voter with disabilities to privately and independently vote on a paper ballot. Audio and tactile interfaces allow voters with sight challenges to complete their ballot. Voters can listen to the selections over headphones or view an LCD screen with an image of their ballot that can be adjusted for size and contrast. A "Sip-N-Puff", or other compatible personal interface devices may also be used by voters with limited hand dexterity.” https://elections.ny.gov/ess-automark https://elections.ny.gov/ess-automark