Guidelines

Checklist for e-Voting

No significant benefits  Minor benefits  Major benefits
People with the right to vote are able to
People's votes are counted, and only counted once
The voter can vote without coercion or undue influence
The vote remains secretive at all stages
Voting is fully accessible
The functioning of each system should increase voter confidence
Polling stations
The voting area is on an accessible level
Wheelchair access, special ramps and handrails are provided where necessary
Polling booths are at table height
There are seats available
Polling station staff have had disability awareness training
There are adequate parking spaces near the entrance of the polling station
The path to the polling station is a hard non-slip surface and is well lit
There is adequate lighting inside the polling station
Signs are in large text and are clearly visible
Voting forms
Forms are available in large print
There is a tactile option to view the form
Print size and type is legible
Voting machines
Static systems and DREs are easily located
There are minimal stages in the voting process i.e., the number of different screens passed through
Controls
Buttons have tactile markings
Buttons, or keys (including touch screen buttons) are large and easily identifiable from each other
Navigation can be through the use of a keyboard or touch screen
Buttons or keys are operable with one hand
Screens
There is a function to correct errors
Warnings are given for overvoting and undervoting
Touch screens are debounced to eliminate any double activation
There is a confirmation screen at the end of the vote so all choices can be reviewed
There is a zoom function
There is a help function
The screen can be angled to a variety of positions
The contrast settings can be adjusted
The colour settings can be adjusted
The size of the text can be enlarged
Audio output
There is audio confirmation when a vote is made
There is audio description that reads the text on the screen
The volume and rate of speech can be adjusted
For each audio output there is a text alternative
Peripheral devices
There is appropriate provision for connecting personal listening devices
The system allows connection of alternative custom switches
Documentation
Full instructions or a demonstration is provided
Instructions are available in alternative formats
Print size and typeface is legible
Instructions are written using simple straighforward language
Digital TVs
There is wide availability of an interactive capacity in digital TV sets
The colours, text size and help function in the voting environment are of a maximum size
Appropriate colour combinations are used
Page layout is spacious and consistent
Audio elements have a matching visual description
Speech is clear without any background music or sounds
Subtitles are provided
Telephones
There is wide availability of the touch tone facility in telephones
There is a text phone element available
Instructions are clearly spoken
There is a listen again option
The speaker volume can be adjusted
The call remains anonymous
There is the option to connect to a human call centre assistant
SMS text messages
The sent SMS remains anonymous
Sentences are short and use basic language
The return typed text is not too long
The message is broken down into clear components or sections
An error message is received if a mistake is made
Users receive confirmation when a vote has been received
PCs / Internet
Virus protection is provided and easily downloaded onto PCs
There is a specialised operating system for voting on home PCs
Navigation can be through the use of a mouse or the keyboard
The website complies with the W3C web accessibility guidelines
There is a demonstration available
Access and navigation can be via a voice recognition system
Access and navigation can be via a screen reader
Audio instructions are available
Authentication
Electronic authentication is available in alternative formats e.g. PIN numbers, smart cards, CD Rom
PIN numbers should be in a memorable format

Checklist for Accessible Events
Checklist for Controls
Checklist for Displays
Checklist for Keys
Checklist for Mobiles
Checklist for Television
Checklist for Touchscreens
Checklist for Web

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