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Voting Equipment Used
Unisyn Voting Solutions: OpenElect
The OpenElect Voting Optical (OVO) is a precinct-level, full-age, dual-sided optical scan ballot system that scans and validates voter ballots and provides a summary of all ballots cast. The election is loaded from the OVS Election Server over a secure local network or via a USB thumb drive. On Election Day, an OVO at each polling location scans and validates voters' ballots, and provides precinct tabulation and reporting. The OVO unit is also paired with the OVI (OpenElect Voting Interface) for early voting to scan and tabulate early voting ballots. OVO units can also be used at election headquarters to read absentee, provisional, or recount ballots in smaller jurisdictions. The OVO consists of the following components: a Personal Computer (PC), Transport Media, Ballot Reader, Printer and an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS).
OpenElect Voting Interface (OVI)
The OpenElect Voting Interface (OVI) supports both ADA and Early Voting requirements. The OVI enables voters during early voting to cast regional ballots and voters with special needs to prepare their ballots independently and privately on Election Day. The OVI unit features a 7-inch or optional 15-inch full-color touchscreen display that is easy to read, making voting simple and error free. The OVI will present each contest on the correct ballot to the voter in visual and (optionally) audio formats. The voter with limited vision navigates through the ballot using the audio ballot and the ADA keypad or touchscreen input to make their selections. The voter validates his or her selections by listening to the audio summary, printing the ballot, and inserting it into the OVO.
The OVI facilitates special needs voters through a variety of methods including wheelchair access, sip and puff, zoom-in ballot function, and audio assistance for the visually impaired. The OVI provides for write-in candidates when authorized by the jurisdiction. Voters input candidates' names via the ADA keypad, touchscreen, or sip and puff device. Each OVI can support multiple languages for both visual and audio ballots, allowing the voter to choose their preferred language.