VIBS Instruction modifications

[Mark S Earley <meglobal@earthlink.net>]

The outcome of the BS 4.1.6 evaluation by the Florida Division of
Elections is they are requiring three modifications before certification
will be granted. 

One of the changes is modification of the Instruction Set and prompts.
They feel that the audio ballot can get very confusing, and they want
some modifications to the instructions and guidance that is provided.
While few specifics were given, they did mention some items several times
and in several ways as needing change. I have done my best to categorize
these items into two groups, required and requested.

Note, if this rcr deals with unrelated changes, let me know and I will
break it down into components. It is hard to categorize the many facets
of changes the FL Div wants.

Required:

In the opening instructions, briefly describe the layout of the keypad.

In the opening instructions, mention the headphone has a volume control
on the cord.

Briefly describe the general navigation keys, 4, 5, 6, and 0 and how they
work in the ballot. 

More fully describe that to change your vote you must first cancel the
selection of the current candidate.

Make the 0 key more helpful by giving more guidance when the 0 is
pressed.

Requested:

In the opening instructions, change "Welcome to the Visually
Impaired Voting System" to "Welcome to the Audio Ballot Voting
System"

As part of the race header, detail the number of candidates in the race.
Long lists of candidates can be confusing if the voter is
unprepared.

Mention that if a key seems unresponsive, the choice is not valid at that
point in the program.

More fully explain why the 5 key will not work in some
situations.

Mention the use of the 0 key as a help key.

Try to keep the help instructions to 30 seconds in length.

========================

Examples of possible modifications:

1.  Opening Instructions (these do not repeat when the 0 key is
pressed):

"Welcome to the Audio Ballot Voting System. The Audio Ballot
uses a telephone style keypad for voter inputs. They 5 key has a raised
feature to help align your hand with the keypad. The headphones have an
inline rotary volume control on the cord. “

2.a.  Opening Instructions will be followed immediately by
the 0 instructions, which repeat when the 0 is pressed:

“Please be methodical and patient when voting. If you get
confused, pause and wait for instructions. The main navigation keys are
the 4, 5, and 6 keys. Pressing the 4 key moves you backward through the
ballot to the previous candidate or race. Pressing the 5 key selects or
unselects a candidate. Pressing the 6 key moves you forward through the
ballot to the next candidate or race. If a key seems unresponsive, the
choice is not valid at that point in the program. If you want to
change your vote, you must first unselect your current choice by moving
to that candidate and pressing 5. Other key options will be available and
will be explained in certain situations. The 0 key is a help key. To
replay these instructions at any time press 0.”

2.b.  Or without the underlined sentence above:

“Please be methodical and patient when voting. If you get
confused, pause and wait for instructions. The main navigation keys are
the 4, 5, and 6 keys. Pressing the 4 key moves you backward through the
ballot to the previous candidate or race. Pressing the 5 key selects or
unselects a candidate. Pressing the 6 key moves you forward through the
ballot to the next candidate or race. If you want to change your vote,
you must first unselect your current choice by moving to that candidate
and pressing 5. Other key options will be available and will be explained
in certain situations. The 0 key is a help key. To replay these
instructions at any time press 0.”

Note the first version of the 0 or help instructions takes me
approximately 45 seconds to read, the second version takes approximately
35 seconds. Reading was done slowly and clearly.

Just before voting, keep the prompt: 

“To begin voting, press 6.”

3.  In response to pressing 5 on an unselected candidate when
the race is fully voted, prompt,

“The selection key 5 is disabled because the race is fully voted.
If you want to change your vote, you must first unselect your current
choice by moving to that candidate and pressing 5.”

4.  As part of the race header, detail the number of
candidates in the race. 

“Vote for one of the N choices. No votes have been cast in this
race.” candidate names begin…
or 
“Vote for one. Choose from the following N choices. This race has been
fully voted.” candidate names begin…

Items 3 and 4 deal with requested changes, and can be omitted (I guess,
who really knows for sure) if they require major code changes.

Note that the required changes must be done before the FL Div will
certify Ballot Station with Audio Ballot capabilities. They have stated
several times that if we get them something promptly, they will expedite
the evaluation and certification.

Mark

-Mark S Earley
Support Services Specialist
Global Election Systems
850 422-2100 office
850 322-3226 cell