iacreot - plain language for voters and poll workers
DESCRIPTION
This talk covers guidelines for writing plain language instructions on ballots and clear information in poll worker manuals. It also talks about common ballot design problems and wraps up with information about usability testing using the UPA LEO Usability Testing Kit.TRANSCRIPT
![Page 1: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
Plain language for voters and election workers
1
Dana Chisnell, UPA | Usability in Civic Life Drew Davies, AIGA | Design for DemocracyKim Kizer, Elections Division - Texas
IACREOT - Spokane - 2009
![Page 2: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
optical scanDREpunch cardlever
Many changes
2
http://www.flickr.com/photos/plemeljr/61432544/
![Page 3: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
3
![Page 4: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
HistoryExpense MachinesState law
Constraints exist
![Page 5: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
lower residual vote rates + better security
Best practice
+ Incremental changes
+ Usability testing
5
![Page 6: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
6
Design problems cause voter errors
Design best practice helps
Plain language helps
Best practice + usability testing helps
Resources
The Texas story
![Page 7: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
7
Design problems cause voter errors
Design best practice helps
Plain language helps
Best practice + usability testing
Resources
The Texas story
![Page 8: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
8
![Page 9: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
Key pointsPoor ballot design frustrates voters, undermines confidence, and contributes to related Election Day problems
9
Dana Chisnell
![Page 10: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
Key pointsThousands of votes are lost or miscast
All voters are affected
The risk is greater for some groups of voters
All voting technologies are affected
Usability testing is the best way to make sure that voters are successful
10
Dana Chisnell
![Page 11: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
Design for Democracy - EAC
11
Best practice is a great place to start to
redesign ballots
![Page 12: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
12
Design problems cause voter errors
Design best practice helps
Plain language helps
Best practice + usability testing
Resources
The Texas story
![Page 13: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
![Page 14: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
Top 10 election design guidelines
![Page 15: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
1 Use lowercase letters
![Page 16: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
![Page 17: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
![Page 18: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
Optical scan ballots [detail]
![Page 19: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/19.jpg)
Rolling DRE (touchscreen) ballot [detail]
![Page 20: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/20.jpg)
2 Avoid centered type
![Page 21: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/21.jpg)
![Page 22: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/22.jpg)
![Page 23: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/23.jpg)
Rolling DRE (touchscreen) ballot [detail]
![Page 24: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/24.jpg)
![Page 25: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/25.jpg)
3 Pick one sans-serif font
![Page 26: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/26.jpg)
Optical scan ballots [detail]
![Page 27: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/27.jpg)
Rolling DRE (touchscreen) ballot [detail]
![Page 28: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/28.jpg)
Voter information materials [detail]
![Page 29: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/29.jpg)
4 Use big enough type
![Page 30: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/30.jpg)
![Page 31: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/31.jpg)
Optical scan ballots [detail]
![Page 32: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/32.jpg)
Rolling DRE (touchscreen) ballot [detail]
![Page 33: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/33.jpg)
Voter information materials [detail]
![Page 34: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/34.jpg)
5 Support processand navigation
![Page 35: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/35.jpg)
![Page 36: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/36.jpg)
Optical scan ballots [detail]
![Page 37: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/37.jpg)
Rolling DRE (touchscreen) ballot [detail]
![Page 38: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/38.jpg)
Voter information materials [wayfinding]
![Page 39: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/39.jpg)
6 Use clear, simple language
![Page 40: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/40.jpg)
“A vote for the names of a political partyʼs candidates for president is a vote for the electors of that party…”
Vote for one
“Vote for not more than one set of candidates” Vote for one pair
![Page 41: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/41.jpg)
STATE REFERENDA 2A - CITY OF SPRINGFIELD
SHALL CITY OF SPRINGFIELD DEBT BE INCREASED BY AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $4,600,000, WITH A MAXIMUM REPAYMENT COST OF $8,000,000, AND SHALL CITY OF SPRINGFIELD TAXES BE INCREASED $1,047,000 (FIRST FULL FISCAL YEAR DOLLAR INCREASE) ANNUALLY; SUCH DEBT TO CONSIST OF SALES TAX REVENUE BONDS ISSUED SOLELY FOR THE FOLLOWING PURPOSES:· ACQUIRING, CONSTRUCTING AND EQUIPPING A COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTER WHICH SHALL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:· AQUATICS CENTER/SWIMMING POOL· FITNESS CENTER· GYMNASIUM FOR BASKETBALL, VOLLEYBALL, AEROBICS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES· FAMILY, YOUTH AND SENIOR MULTI-PURPOSE ROOMS· PAYING ALL NECESSARY OR INCIDENTAL COSTS RELATED THERETO, INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING:· OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE EXPENSES, WHICH MAY INCLUDE EXERCISE AND RECREATION ACTIVITIES FOR ALL AGES, INTERESTS AND ABILITIES· THE FUNDING OF A BOND RESERVE FUND AND COSTS OF ISSUING THE BONDS SUCH BONDS TO BE ISSUED, DATED AND SOLD AT SUCH TIMES, AND AT SUCH PRICES (AT, ABOVE OR BELOW PAR) AND CONTAINING SUCH TERMS, NOT INCONSISTENT HEREWITH, AS THE CITY COUNCIL MAY DETERMINE; SUCH TAX TO BE IMPLEMENTED BY AN AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER 5.06 OF THE SPRINGFIELD MUNICIPAL CODE AND TO CONSIST OF A RATE INCREASE IN THE CITY-WIDE SALES TAX OF 0.70% (SEVENTY ONE-HUNDREDTHS OF ONE PERCENT, WHICH REPRESENTS SEVEN CENTS ON EACH TEN DOLLAR PURCHASE AS SHOWN IN THE TAX SCHEDULE AT THE END OF THIS BALLOT ISSUE) BEGINNING ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 2005, WITH A REDUCTION OF SUCH TAX TO 0.50% (FIFTY ONEHUNDREDTHS OF ONE PERCENT, WHICH REPRESENTS FIVE CENTS ON EACH TEN DOLLAR PURCHASE) BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2026 OR SUCH LOWER RATE AS THE CITY COUNCIL MAY DETERMINE AFTER SUCH DATE, TO BE USED SOLELY TO PAY THE FOLLOWING:· COSTS OF ACQUIRING, CONSTRUCTING AND EQUIPPING THE COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTER DESCRIBED ABOVE· PAYING DEBT SERVICE ON THE SALES TAX REVENUE BONDS DESCRIBED ABOVE· PAYING ALL NECESSARY OR INCIDENTAL COSTS RELATED THERETO, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE EXPENSES, WHICH MAY INCLUDE EXERCISE AND RECREATION ACTIVITIES FOR ALL AGES, INTERESTS AND ABILITIES, AND REPAIRS, RENEWALS, REPLACEMENTS AND RENOVATIONS THEREOF, AND THE FUNDING OF RESERVES THEREFOR; AND· CONSTRUCTION OR UPGRADES TO CITY OUTDOOR ATHLETIC FACILITIES; AND SHALL ALL TAX REVENUES GENERATED FROM THE SALES TAX AUTHORIZED HEREIN AND FROM ANY EARNINGS FROM THE INVESTMENT OF SUCH REVENUES AND THE PROCEEDS OF SUCH BONDS CONSTITUTE A VOTER-APPROVED REVENUE CHANGE, AND AN EXCEPTION TO THE REVENUE AND SPENDING LIMITS OF ARTICLE X, SECTION 20 OF THE COLORADO CONSTITUTION, OR ANY OTHER LAW?
![Page 42: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/42.jpg)
![Page 43: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/43.jpg)
7 Use accurate instructional illustrations
![Page 44: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/44.jpg)
Optical scan ballots [detail]
![Page 45: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/45.jpg)
Rolling DRE (touchscreen) ballot [detail]
![Page 46: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/46.jpg)
Voter information materials
![Page 47: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/47.jpg)
8 Use informational icons (only)
![Page 48: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/48.jpg)
Optical scan ballots [detail]
![Page 49: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/49.jpg)
Voter information materials [detail]
![Page 50: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/50.jpg)
9 Use contrast and color functionally
![Page 51: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/51.jpg)
![Page 52: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/52.jpg)
Rolling DRE (touchscreen) ballot
![Page 53: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/53.jpg)
Optical scan ballots [detail]
![Page 54: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/54.jpg)
10 Decide what’s most important
![Page 55: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/55.jpg)
![Page 56: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/56.jpg)
Grid-style optical scan ballot
![Page 57: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/57.jpg)
Optical scan ballot [detail]
![Page 58: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/58.jpg)
Voter information material
![Page 59: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/59.jpg)
Top 10 election design guidelines
• Use lowercase letters• Avoid centered type• Pick one sans-serif font• Use big enough type• Support process and navigation• Use clear, simple language• Use accurate instructional illustrations • Use informational icons (only)• Use contrast and color functionally• Decide whatʼs most important
![Page 60: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/60.jpg)
• EAC report• Sample files and software• Get design help• Additional resources
Resources
![Page 61: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/61.jpg)
![Page 62: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/62.jpg)
![Page 63: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/63.jpg)
Get design help
• www.designfordemocracy.org• AIGA Designer Directory• AIGA Election Design Fellows now in
Oregon and Washington• [email protected]
![Page 64: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/64.jpg)
Additional resources
Marcia Lausen: Ballot + Election Design[University of Chicago Press]
![Page 65: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/65.jpg)
Additional resources
Ballot design sample collection
![Page 66: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/66.jpg)
Additional resources
AIGA | Design for DemocracyGet Out The Vote campaign
![Page 67: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/67.jpg)
67
Design problems cause voter errors
Design best practice helps
Plain language helps
Best practice + usability testing
Resources
The Texas story
![Page 68: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/68.jpg)
HAVA and NIST
68
✤ HAVA calls for improved standards for voting systems
✤ NIST provides technical support to develop standards through EAC and TGDC
![Page 69: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/69.jpg)
Design for every voter
69
✤ Universal access and usability
✤ Design standards based on best practice and research
✤ Performance standards: user-based testing
![Page 70: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/70.jpg)
Groundbreaking
70
✤ First ever standards for usability and accessibility of voting systems
✤ Unique performance-based usability standards
![Page 71: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/71.jpg)
Wanted: research on plain language in elections
71
2005Review of ballot instructions and system messages
2006-08Test of ballot instructions
2007Review of voting system documentation
2008Development of pass/fail test of voting system documentation for poll workers
![Page 72: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/72.jpg)
72
Does plain language make a difference when people vote?
![Page 73: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/73.jpg)
73
Does clear information make a difference in election worker performance?
![Page 74: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/74.jpg)
74
Does plain language make a difference when people vote?
![Page 75: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/75.jpg)
Do voters vote more accurately on a ballot with plain language instructions?
Do voters recognize the difference in language?
Do voters prefer one ballot over the other?
75
Empirical study of language on ballots
![Page 76: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/76.jpg)
Who participated? 45 voters
Eligible - US citizens age 18+
Focused on lower education levels
Balanced for gender ethnicity age (18-61; median = 36)
76
Education achieved
# of participants
Less than high school
High school or equivalent
Some college or associate
Bachelor’s degree
Courses beyond college
9
15
12
8
1
![Page 77: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/77.jpg)
Where, what3 locations Georgia Maryland Michigan
suburban, city, small town
2 ballots only the wording was different based on NIST DRE “medium” ballot
77
![Page 78: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/78.jpg)
78
Ballot A (traditional language)
![Page 79: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/79.jpg)
Ballot B (plain language)
79
![Page 80: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/80.jpg)
“Retain” or “Keep”?
80
![Page 81: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/81.jpg)
81
Does plain language make a difference when people vote?
![Page 82: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/82.jpg)
Yes.
82
![Page 83: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/83.jpg)
45 participants; 18 possible correct votes on each ballot
Marginally statistically significant, p<.071
83
Participants voted more accurately
Ballot A Ballot B Total
Correct
Incorrect
Total
698 726 1424
112 84 196
810 810 1620
![Page 84: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/84.jpg)
Voting on B first helped on A
Very little difference on B whether it was first or second
A first, ave. correct = 14.4A second, ave. correct = 16.3
Statistically significant, p<.001
84
0
4.175
8.350
12.525
16.700
A First B First
Co
rrec
t Vo
tes
Correct Votes on ACorrect Votes on B
![Page 85: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/85.jpg)
Participants recognized and overwhelmingly preferred plain language
85
Preference # of participants % of participants
Ballot A (traditional language)
Ballot B (plain language)
No preference
Total
4 9%
37 82%
4 9%
45 100%
![Page 86: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/86.jpg)
Education made a difference
86
Education level Mean # correct both ballots
Less than high school (n=9)
High school graduate or equivalent (n=15)
Some college or associate
Bachelor’s degree (n=8)
Some courses beyond college (n=1)
14.4
15.6
16.0
17.4
17.0
Statistically significant, p<.004
![Page 87: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/87.jpg)
1. At the beginning of the ballot, explain how to vote, how to change a vote, and that voters may write in a candidate.
87
![Page 88: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/88.jpg)
2. Put instructions where voters need them.
88
![Page 89: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/89.jpg)
3. Include information that will prevent voters from making errors, such as a caution to not write in someone already on the ballot.
89
![Page 90: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/90.jpg)
4. Write short sentences.
90
![Page 91: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/91.jpg)
5. Use short, simple, everyday words.
91
![Page 92: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/92.jpg)
6. Write in active voice, where the person doing the action comes before the verb.
92
![Page 93: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/93.jpg)
7. Write in the positive. Tell people what to do rather than what not to do.
93
![Page 94: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/94.jpg)
8. When giving people instructions that are more than one step, give each step as an item in a numbered list. Do not number other instructions.
94
![Page 95: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/95.jpg)
9. Keep paragraphs short. A one-sentence paragraph is fine.
95
![Page 96: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/96.jpg)
10. Separate paragraphs by a space so each paragraph stands out on the page.
96
![Page 97: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/97.jpg)
To see all 28 guidelines, go to http://vote.nist.gov/NISTIR-7556.pdf
The guidelines are the last appendix in the report, pages 189-190
97
![Page 98: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/98.jpg)
98
Does clear information make a difference in election worker performance?
![Page 99: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/99.jpg)
How should the documentation be tested? What are poll workers’ tasks? How long do the tasks take?
How many participants will it take to pass or fail the documentation?
What should the pass/fail criteria for the documentation be?
99
Qualitative, exploratory study of voting system documentation for poll workers
![Page 100: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/100.jpg)
Testing the test
✤ Drafted protocol and checklists
✤ Recruited 4 pairs of participants
✤ 2 voting systems - one DRE and one optical scan
✤ Each pair worked on both systems
100
![Page 101: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/101.jpg)
Observations
101
![Page 102: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/102.jpg)
102
Matching the documentation to the machine was difficult
Dana Chisnell
![Page 103: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/103.jpg)
103
Participants had questions that the documentation didn’t answer
Dana Chisnell
![Page 104: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/104.jpg)
104
Information on troubleshooting was hard to use because it was not related to tasks
Dana Chisnell
![Page 105: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/105.jpg)
105
Documentation covered too many systems
![Page 106: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/106.jpg)
Met many best practices but fails because the configuration is not the same as implementation
106
![Page 107: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/107.jpg)
Met many best practices but fails because the configuration is not the same as implementation
107
![Page 108: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/108.jpg)
108
Does clear information make a difference in election worker performance?
![Page 109: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/109.jpg)
109
Yes.
![Page 110: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/110.jpg)
✤ Participants are able to use voting system documentation to:
✤ Complete tasks without asking questions
✤ Find the information they need
✤ Match messages between system and documentation
✤ Read, understand, and react
✤ Perform tasks without missing steps
✤ Perform steps to complete tasks
110
Evidence
![Page 111: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/111.jpg)
✤ Have participants asked for help?
✤ Have they completed the tasks in the time allotted?
111
Pass / fail criteria
![Page 112: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/112.jpg)
112
Design problems cause voter errors
Design best practice helps
Plain language helps
Best practice + usability testing
Resources
The Texas story
![Page 113: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/113.jpg)
What is a usability test?
113
![Page 114: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/114.jpg)
114
What is usable? You: A countable ballot
Voter: Voting as intended
Dana Chisnell
![Page 115: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/115.jpg)
115
Sit next to someone. Watch. Listen.
Dana Chisnell
![Page 116: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/116.jpg)
116
Complement to best practice
When something changes
Take constraints into account
Reveal remedies
![Page 117: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/117.jpg)
Why test?Avoid residual votes and fall-off
Even best practice design can introduce unpredictable problems
Make it more likely that voter intent is carried out
More likely to have only good news about an election
117
Dana Chisnell
![Page 118: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/118.jpg)
The Testing KitWhat you need to know
Session script
Report template
118
![Page 119: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/119.jpg)
The Testing KitWhat you need to know
Session script
Report template
119
![Page 120: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/120.jpg)
The Testing KitWhat you need to know
Session script
Report template
120
![Page 121: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/121.jpg)
The Testing KitWhat you need to know
Session script
Report template
121
![Page 122: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/122.jpg)
122
Redesign.
Look at best practice within your constraints
Use checklists
Test.
Low risk, low cost
Reveal issues that are local, subtle
Improve.
Smoother voting
Smoother counting
Better experience
![Page 123: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/123.jpg)
123
Design problems cause voter errors
Design best practice helps
Plain language helps
Best practice + usability testing
Resources
The Texas story
![Page 124: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/124.jpg)
Resources
Usability Professionals’ Association: www.usabilityprofessionals.org/
LEO Usability Testing Kit:http://www.usabilityprofessionals.org/civiclife/voting/leo_testing.html
Ballot Usability and Accessibility Blog: http://ballotusability.blogspot.com/
National Institute of Standards and Technology:http://vote.nist.gov
124
Dana Chisnell
![Page 125: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/125.jpg)
Resources
Brennan Center for Justice at NYU: Better Ballotshttp://www.brennancenter.org/content/resource/better_ballots/
AIGA - Design for Democracy: Effective Design for Federal Elections http://www.aiga.org/content.cfm/design-for-democracy-eac-reports
Handbook of Usability Testing, Second Edition by Jeff Rubin and Dana Chisnell
125
Dana Chisnell
![Page 126: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/126.jpg)
Announcing
126
LEOExchange Online discussion group for local election officials
![Page 129: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/129.jpg)
129
Design problems cause voter errors
Design best practice helps
Plain language helps
Best practice + usability testing
Resources
The Texas story
![Page 130: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/130.jpg)
Voter Registration Form (Before)
![Page 131: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/131.jpg)
Voter Registration Form (After)Version 1
![Page 132: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/132.jpg)
Voter Registration Form (After)Version 2
Back of this form looks exactly like Version 1 – horizontal layout versus vertical layout
![Page 133: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/133.jpg)
Application Ballot by Mail (Before)Front
![Page 134: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/134.jpg)
Application Ballot by Mail (Before)Back
![Page 135: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/135.jpg)
Application Ballot by Mail (After)Front
Layout went from bifold to
trifold
![Page 136: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/136.jpg)
Application Ballot by Mail (After)Back
Layout went from bifold to
trifold
![Page 137: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/137.jpg)
137
Questions?
![Page 138: IACREOT - Plain language for voters and poll workers](https://reader034.vdocuments.site/reader034/viewer/2022051412/54c7c5ec4a7959477c8b45bc/html5/thumbnails/138.jpg)
138
Thank you.