Principles

Through a collaborative process between the department and the VSAP Advisory Committee, the project adopted 14 distinct principles to guide the design and implementation of new voting systems. These principles were formed by gathering data through focus groups, community discussions, operational needs and the perspectives of Advisory Committee members.

For Voters

For the Public Trust

Trust

The voting system must instill public trust and have the ability to produce a physical and tangible record of a voter's ballot to verify the ballot was marked as intended before it is cast and to ensure auditability of the system. It must demonstrate to voters, candidates, and the general public that all votes are counted as cast.

Integrity

The system must have integrity, be accountable to voters, and follow existing regulations. System features must protect against fraud and tampering. It should also be easy to audit and produce useful, accessible data to verify vote counts and monitor system performance.

Security

The voting system must have features for safe and secure storage including features such as locks and security seals to protect the integrity of the machine while in the custody of election workers or in storage with election officials.

Cost Effective

The voting system must be cost effective. Costs considered should include procurement, operating, and maintenance costs as well as consideration of expected system/equipment lifespan.

Trust

Integrity

Security

Cost Effective

The voting system must be cost effective. Costs considered should include procurement, operating, and maintenance costs as well as consideration of expected system/equipment lifespan.

For elections staff

Explore the VSAP process

Our Process