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REVISITING THE U.S. VOTING SYSTEM: A RESEARCH INVENTORY

November 27-28, 2006

Convened by the American Association for the Advancement of Science

Conny McCormack

STUDY FACTORS AND SUGGEST REMEDIES FOR REDUCING/ELIMINATING LONG LINES AT VOTING LOCATIONS

OVERVIEW: In every major election there are sporadic reports nationwide of some voters encountering long lines and having to endure significant waits in order to cast their ballots. Research could be conducted to collect data regarding what factors contribute to occurrences of this problem. Based upon findings of this research, remedies and action plans could be devised and shared with election administrators with the goal of reducing the likelihood of repetition of the circumstances that contribute to this undesirable outcome.

DEFINITION: Research should identify the definition and parameters of what is meant by “long lines” and “excessive waiting time.” Suggest the waiting time would need to exceed 45 minutes prior to being so classified.

IDENTIFYING FACTORS: An initial compilation of factors would likely include: length of ballot including number and complexity of ballot propositions; ratio of voting machines in a precinct to both the number of registered voters and the number of likely voters based on prior elections; familiarity of voters with voting equipment including length of time/number of elections the equipment has been in use and the voter turnout percentages in such past elections; familiarity of voters with candidates and issues on the ballot; demographic characteristics of voters in a precinct or census block/track including education, prevalence of minority language speakers, age, etc.; whether absentee by mail or early voting opportunities are universally available or restricted to specified voters; polling place staffing levels and/or facility issues including the vote center concept; and any number of other possible factors.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: Suggest a research design that combines various locations of field research while also testing groups according to various voter characteristics and backgrounds. Researchers would observe subjects’ behaviors using various types of voting equipment all loaded with the same number of electoral contests.

SUMMARY: Due to the large number/percentage of voters nationwide who encountered unfamiliar voting equipment for the first time in the 2006 election cycle, coupled with the expectation of a significantly greater voter turnout in the 2008 elections, there will again be a high number/percentage of voters using new voting equipment for the first time in the 2008 elections. Given the high per unit cost of new voting equipment compared with older models of equipment, the ratio of voters to each unit of equipment is likely to be higher than in past elections and may be even higher in future elections. This factor alone would adversely impact length of time voters must wait to cast a ballot. Findings might identify the need of various jurisdictions to purchase additional units of voting equipment prior to the November 2008 election. Additionally, the need for and value of more voter outreach and education on use of new voting equipment might be identified and measured against future outcomes with regard to length of lines at voting locations. Formulation of a plan to partner with media and community-based organizations to educate voters about use of voting equipment, steps to take to prepare for voting, etc. is also anticipated to be an outcome.