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 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) to scan and tabulate 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 FreedomVote Tablet (FVT)

The OpenElect FreedomVote Tablet (FVT) is a ballot marking device that prints paper ballots that are counted in the same tabulators as other paper ballots. The FVT exceeds the voting requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act’s (ADA) by offering state-of-the-art features. Voters can navigate the ballot via the tablet's intuitive touchscreen technology and an audio presentation. It offers a sophisticated text-to-speech engine. The enhanced interface is easy to use and suitable for voters of all ages and skill levels.

The voting session is initiated by scanning the barcode on the initialization ticket given to voters by the election judges. The voters mark their ballot choices on a 13.3-inch touchscreen display. A “review page” gives them the opportunity to check their choices and correct mistakes. Upon acceptance, voters print their ballots and take them to the OVO where they are scanned, counted and cast.

The FVT facilitates special needs voters through a variety of methods including wheelchair access, Help America Vote Act (HAVA)-compliant keypad and sip-n-puff, expanded font function, and audio assistance for the visually impaired.

Write-in candidates are provided for when authorized by the jurisdiction. Voters input candidates’ names via the HAVA-compliant keypad, touchscreen or sip-n-puff device.