OVSTA
County of Los Angeles ISB 1.2 Consultant's Accessibility Testing Report
VSAP Interactive Sample Ballot (RAVBM) Version 1.2
Read the report at Los Angeles County VSAP ↗
County of Los Angeles’
VSAP 1.2
Interactive Sample Ballot RAVBMS
Usability, Accessibility, and Privacy
Test Report
CAF-19018-UAPTR-01
Vendor Name County of Los Angeles
VSAP 1.2 Interactive Sample
Vendor System
Ballot RAVBMS
Prepared by:
4720 Independence St.
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
303-422-1566
www.SLICompliance.com
Accredited by the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) for Selected Voting System Test
Methods or Services
County of Los Angeles
VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS
Accessibility, Usability & Privacy
Test Report
Copyright 2019 by SLI ComplianceSM, a Division of Gaming Laboratories International, LLC
Revision History
Date Release Author Revision Summary
Nov. 18, 2019 1.0 M. Santos Initial Release
Dec. 27, 2019 2.0 M. Santos Updated for CASOS comments
Disclaimer
The information reported herein must not be used by the client to claim product
certification, approval, or endorsement by NVLAP, NIST, or any agency of the Federal
Government.
Trademarks
• SLI is a registered trademark of SLI Compliance.
• All products and company names are used for identification purposes only and may
be trademarks of their respective owners.
California Certification Page 2 of 23
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VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS
Accessibility, Usability & Privacy
Test Report
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OVERVIEW ......................................................................................................................................... 4
PHASE I – DOCUMENTATION REVIEW ........................................................................................... 4
PHASE II – USABILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY TESTING ................................................................ 5
3.2 GENERAL USABILITY REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................ 5
3.3 ACCESSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................................... 16
PHASE III – PRIVACY TESTING ..................................................................................................... 22
SUMMARY ........................................................................................................................................ 23
California Certification Page 3 of 23
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VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS
Accessibility, Usability & Privacy
Test Report
Overview
The California Voting Systems Standards (CVSS) were written in such a way to be
applicable to a wide variety of voting technology. Therefore, the relevant portions of
the CVSS are reviewed as the relate to the Remote Accessible Vote by Mail
(RAVBM) system for the purposes of this report. The use of “voting system” shall
apply to the RAVBM system.
This report provides results for the usability, accessibility, and privacy testing of the
County of Los Angeles’ VSAP 1.2 Interactive Sample Ballot Remote Access Vote
by Mail System (VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS).
Testing was divided into three phases.
Phase I included a review of all pertinent documents as an inspection of the
manufacturer’s documentation of usability and accessibility testing performed
during system development.
Phase II included all usability and accessibility testing in accordance with California
Voting System Standards (CVSS) requirements.
Phase III included privacy testing. This testing verified compliance CVSS
requirements and the following California Elections Code (EC) specific
requirements:
• The RAVBM shall not have the capability, including an optional capability,
to use a remote server to mark a voter’s selections transmitted to the server
from the voter’s computer via the Internet. [EC19295(a)]
• The RAVBM shall not have the capability, including an optional capability,
to store any voter identifiable selections on any remote server. [EC19295(b)]
• The RAVBM shall not have the capability, including the optional capability,
to tabulate votes. [EC19295(c)]
Phase I – Documentation Review
During Phase I, documentation was reviewed to verify and validate the
manufacturer’s documentation of usability and accessibility testing performed
during system development.
Review of the Technical Data Package (TDP) validated that the requirement was
satisfactorily covered.
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Accessibility, Usability & Privacy
Test Report
Phase II – Usability and Accessibility Testing
In this phase, functional tests were exercised in order to verify and validate the
following in accordance with the applicable CVSS requirements:
• 3.2 General Usability Requirements
• 3.3 Accessibility Requirements
3.2 General Usability Requirements
3.2.1.1 Overall Performance Metrics
The requirements of this section set benchmarks for the usability of the system as
a whole. There are three performance requirements that deal with effectiveness
and two reporting requirements, one for efficiency and one for satisfaction. The
metrics are defined as follows:
a. Total Completion Score – the proportion of users who successfully cast a
ballot (whether or not the ballot contains erroneous votes). Failure to cast a
ballot might involve problems such as a voter simply “giving up” during the
voting session because of an inability to operate the system, or a mistaken
belief that one has successfully operated the casting mechanism.
b. Perfect Ballot Index – the ratio of the number of cast ballots containing no
erroneous votes to the number of cast ballots containing one or more errors
(either a vote for an unintended choice, or a missing vote).
c. Voter Inclusion Index – a measure of both voting accuracy and consistency.
It is based on mean accuracy and the associated standard deviation.
Accuracy per voter depends on how many “voting opportunities” within each
ballot are performed correctly. A low value for the standard deviation of
these individual accuracy scores indicates higher consistency of
performance across voters.
d. Average Voting Session Time – mean time taken per voter to complete the
process of activating, filling out, and casting the ballot.
e. Average Voter Confidence – mean confidence level expressed by the voters
that the system successfully recorded their votes.
Because of the statistical nature of the testing, numerical results must be
interpreted very carefully. The numbers have meaning only within the context of
the Voting Performance Protocol (VPP), a (NIST) approved standard. Note
especially that the tests associated with these requirements are designed as
repeatable controlled experiments and not as “realistic” measures of voting
behavior
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Test Report
a. Total completion performance – The system shall achieve a total
completion score of at least 98% as measured by the VPP.
b. Perfect ballot performance – The system shall achieve a perfect ballot index
of at least 2.33 as measured by the VPP.
c. Voter inclusion performance – The system shall achieve a voter inclusion
index of at least 0.35 as measured by the VPP.
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement was
satisfactorily covered validated that the requirement was satisfactorily
covered, with total completion, perfect ballot index and voter inclusion index
minimum measurements all being met or surpassed, in a controlled
environment– the voter uses their own equipment in the processing of their
ballot, which leads to improved usability versus one-time usage of unknown
hardware.
3.2.1.2 Additional Usability Metrics
a. The test lab shall report all the effectiveness metrics for usability as defined
and measured by the VPP.
b. The test lab shall report the average voting session time, as measured by
the VPP.
Note that this requirement does not apply to the audio interface of a system, or to
the use of special input devices for voters with dexterity disabilities.
c. The test lab shall report the average voter confidence, as measured by the
VPP.
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was satisfactorily covered – the voter uses their own equipment in the
processing of their ballot, which leads to improved usability versus one-
time usage of unknown hardware
3.2.2 Functional Capabilities
The following functional capabilities of the system were evaluated:
If the voter attempts to select more than the allowable number of choices
within a contest on a VEBD or PCOS, the voting system shall notify the
voter of the effect of this action before the ballot is cast and counted.
(3.2.2.1)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was satisfactorily covered – the voter is prevented from overvoting.
The voting system shall allow the voter, at the voter’s choice, to submit an
undervoted ballot without correction. (3.2.2.2)
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VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS
Accessibility, Usability & Privacy
Test Report
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was satisfactorily covered – the voter is allowed to vote an undervoted
ballot without correction, if they so choose.
The voting system shall provide the voter the opportunity to correct the
ballot for an undervote before the ballot is cast and counted. (3.2.2.3)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was satisfactorily covered – the voter is given the opportunity to correct
the ballot for an undervoted contest before the ballot is cast.
VEBD shall prevent voters from selecting more than the allowable number of
choices for each contest. (3.2.2.4)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was satisfactorily covered – the voter is prevented from overvoting a
contest.
VEBD shall provide feedback to the voter, before final casting of the ballot
that identifies specific contests for which the voter has selected fewer than
the allowable number of choices (i.e., undervotes). This feature shall not be
disabled. (3.2.2.6)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was satisfactorily covered – the voter is notified of any contest(s) that are
undervoted and that the feature is not able to be disabled.
VEBD shall provide the voter the opportunity to correct the ballot before it is
cast and counted. This correction process shall not require external
assistance. The corrections to be supported include modifying an undervote
and changing a vote from one candidate to another. (3.2.2.7)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was satisfactorily covered – the voter is given the opportunity to correct
the ballot for any contest before the ballot is cast. This includes
undervoted contests as well as contests that are correctly voted and the
voter simply desires to change their choice.
The correction process is self-contained and does not require external
assistance.
VEBD shall allow the voter to change a vote within a contest before
advancing to the next contest. (3.2.2.8)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was satisfactorily covered – the voter is able to change a voted contest
prior to advancing to the next contest.
VEBD shall provide navigation controls that allow the voter to advance to
the next contest or go back to the previous contest before completing a vote
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Accessibility, Usability & Privacy
Test Report
on the contest(s) currently being presented (whether visually or aurally).
(3.2.2.9)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was satisfactorily covered – the voter is able to advance to the next
contest, or go back to the previous contests, without voting the current
contest, for either visual or aural presentations
3.2.5 Cognitive Issues
The features specified in this section are intended to minimize cognitive
difficulties for voters.
a. Completeness of instructions – The voting system shall provide instructions
for all operations inherent to the voting system or that are generated by
default. Instructions that are part of a ballot definition are not subject to this
requirement. (3.2.5.a)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was satisfactorily covered. The instructions provided for a RAVBMS
implementation are sufficient.
b. Availability of assistance from the system – The voting system shall provide
a means for the voter to get help directly from the system at any time during
the voting session. (3.2.5.b)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was satisfactorily covered. Assistance available from the system during
RVABMS implementation is sufficient.
c. Plain language – Operational instructions and voting system help material
shall conform to norms and best practices for plain language. (3.2.5.c)
i. Clarity of warnings – Warnings and alerts issued by the voting system
shall clearly state:
o The nature of the problem; (3.2.5.c.i.1)
o Whether the voter has performed or attempted an invalid operation or
whether the voting equipment itself has malfunctioned in some way;
and (3.2.5.c.i.2)
o The set of responses available to the voter. (3.2.5.c.i.3)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was satisfactorily covered. Language and clarity of warnings provided by
the system for a RAVBM system implementation are sufficient.
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Test Report
ii. Context before action – When an instruction is based on a condition, the
condition shall be stated first, and then the action to be performed.
(3.2.5.c.ii)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was satisfactorily covered – the condition-based instructions state the
condition first, then the action to be performed.
iii. Start each instruction on a new line – The system shall start the visual
presentation of each new instruction on a new line. (3.2.5.c.iii)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was satisfactorily covered – the visual presentation of each new
instruction is presented on a new line.
iv. Use of positive – The system shall issue instructions on the correct way
to perform actions, rather than telling voters what not to do. (3.2.5.c.iv)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was satisfactorily covered – the instructions tell voters the correct way to
perform actions, not what not to do.
v. Use of imperative voice – The system's instructions shall address the
voter directly rather than use passive voice constructions. (3.2.5.c.v)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was satisfactorily covered – the instructions directly address voter with
an imperative voice.
vi. Gender-based pronouns – The system shall avoid the use of gender-
based pronouns. (3.2.5.c.vi)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was satisfactorily covered – the system does not use gender-based
pronouns.
d. No bias among choices – Consistent with the California Elections Code, the
voting system shall support a process that does not introduce bias for or
against any of the contest choices to be presented to the voter. In both
visual and aural formats, the choices shall be presented in an equivalent
manner. (3.2.5.d)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was satisfactorily covered – the contest choices are not presented to the
voter in a biased manner for any of the contests choices, in either visual
or aural format.
e. Ballot design – The voting system shall provide the capability to design a
ballot with a high level of clarity and comprehensibility. (3.2.5.e)
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Test Report
i. Contests split among pages or columns – The voting system shall
visually present a single contest on a single page or column except
where the number of choices in a contest makes it impossible. (3.2.5.e.i)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was satisfactorily covered – the system does visually present a single
contest on a single page or column.
ii. Indicate maximum number of candidates – The voting system shall
require that the ballot clearly indicate the maximum number of
candidates for which one can vote within a single contest. (3.2.5.e.ii)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was satisfactorily covered – the ballot clearly indicates the maximum
number of candidates allowed to be voted for in a single contest.
iii. Consistent representation of candidate selection – The relationship
between the name of a candidate and the mechanism used to vote for
that candidate shall be consistent throughout the ballot. (3.2.5.e.iii)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was satisfactorily covered – the ballot is consistent in presenting
candidates and the mechanism for selection of candidate to the voter.
f. Conventional use of color – The use of color by the voting system shall
agree with common conventions: (a) green, blue or white is used for general
information or as a normal status indicator; (b) amber or yellow is used to
indicate warnings or a marginal status; (c) red is used to indicate error
conditions or a problem requiring immediate attention. (3.2.5.f)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was satisfactorily covered – the colors used agree with common
conventions.
g. Icons and language – When an icon is used to convey information, indicate
an action, or prompt a response, it shall be accompanied by a
corresponding linguistic label. (3.2.5.g)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was satisfactorily covered – icons are accompanied with a corresponding
linguistic label.
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Accessibility, Usability & Privacy
Test Report
3.2.6 Perceptual Issues
The requirements of this section are designed to minimize perceptual difficulties for
the voter.
e. Accommodation for color blindness – The default color coding shall support
correct perception by voters with color blindness. (3.2.6.e)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was satisfactorily covered – the default color coding supports voters with
color blindness.
f. No reliance solely on color – Color coding shall not be used as the sole
means of conveying information, indicating an action, prompting a response,
or distinguishing a visual element. (3.2.6.f)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was satisfactorily covered – color coding is not used as the sole means
of conveying information.
3.2.7 Interaction Issues
The requirements of this section are designed to minimize interaction difficulties
for the voter.
a. No page scrolling – Voting systems shall not require page scrolling by the
voter. (3.2.7.a)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was satisfactorily covered – scrolling is not the required method of
navigating a page.
b. Unambiguous feedback for voter's selection – The voting system shall
provide unambiguous feedback regarding the voter’s selection, such as
displaying a checkmark beside the selected option or conspicuously
changing its appearance. (3.2.7.b)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was satisfactorily covered – the voter’s selection is unambiguously
displayed as the selected choice.
c. Accidental Activation – The location and sensitivity of the input mechanisms
shall be designed to minimize accidental activation.
i. Size and separation of touch areas (3.2.7.c.i)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was satisfactorily covered. The voters will be using their own equipment,
so they can enlarge the screen as needed, if utilizing a touch screen.
Navigation/selection is done per individual environment.
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Test Report
ii. No repeating keys – No key or control on a voting system shall have a
repetitive effect as a result of being held in its active position. (3.2.7.c.ii)
Review of the requirement showed that navigation keys (up and
down arrows, tab) did have a repetitive effect.
3.2.8 Timing Issues
These requirements address how long the system and voter wait for each other to
interact.
a. Maximum initial system response time - The initial system response
time of a VEBD shall be no greater than 0.5 seconds.
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was satisfactorily covered – the system responds within the allotted initial
response time period.
b. Maximum completed system response time for vote confirmation – When
the voter performs an action to record a single vote, the completed system
response time of the VEBD shall be no greater than one second in the case
of a visual response, and no greater than five seconds in the case of an
audio response. (3.2.8.b)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was satisfactorily covered – the system responds within the allotted time
periods for both visual and aural responses.
c. Maximum completed system response time for all operations – The
completed system response time of a VEBD for visual operations shall be
no greater than 10 seconds. (3.2.8.c)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was satisfactorily covered – the system’s visual completed response
time is within the allotted time period.
d. System response indicator – If a VEBD has not completed its visual
response within one second, it shall present to the voter, within 0.5 seconds
of the voter's action, some indication that it is preparing its response.
(3.2.8.d)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was satisfactorily covered – if a visual response is not completed within
the prescribed timeframe, an indication of response preparation is given
to the voter.
e. Voter inactivity time – The VEBD shall detect and warn about lengthy voter
inactivity during a voting session. Each system shall have a defined and
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documented voter inactivity time, and that time shall be between two and
five minutes. (3.2.8.e)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was not satisfactorily covered – after five minutes, no inactivity warning
was issued.
f. Alert time – Upon expiration of the voter inactivity time, the voting system
shall issue an alert and provide a means by which the voter may receive
additional time. The alert time shall be between 20 and 45 seconds. If the
voter does not respond to the alert within the alert time, the system shall go
into an inactive state. (3.2.8.f)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was not satisfactorily covered – after five minutes, no alert was issued,
nor did the system convert to an inactive state
3.2.9 Alternative Languages
a. General support for alternative languages – The voting system shall be
capable of presenting the ballot, contest choices, review screens, vote
verification records, and voting instructions in any language that Elections
Code section 14201 or the Section 203 of the federal Voting Rights Act
requires in any California jurisdiction. (3.2.9.a)
i. Voter control of language – A VEBD shall allow the voter to select
among the available languages throughout the voting session while
preserving the current votes. (3.2.9.a.i)
o Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS showed that English, Spanish,
Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Hindi, Khmer,
Thai, Armenian, Farsi, and Russian are supported. The language
selection is able to be adjusted at any time during the ballot process.
ii. Complete information in alternative language – Information presented to
the voter in the typical case of English-literate voters (including
instructions, warnings, messages, contest choices, and vote verification
information) shall also be presented when an alternative language is
being used, whether the language is written or spoken. (3.2.9.a.ii)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was satisfactorily covered – complete information is provided in
alternative languages.
iii. Auditability of records for English readers – Any records, including paper
ballots and paper verification records, shall have sufficient information to
support auditing by poll workers and others who can read only English.
(3.2.9.a.iii)
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Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was satisfactorily covered – paper verification records provide sufficient
information, in English.
iv. Usability testing by S-ATA for alternative languages – The S-ATA shall
conduct summative usability tests for each of the system's supported
languages, using subjects who are fluent in those languages but not
fluent in English and shall report the test results, using the Common
Industry Format. (3.2.9.a.iv)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was satisfactorily covered. Testing was performed on this system by
personnel fluent in English.
General Guidelines
Testing verified that the voting system is designed to achieve high usability for
voters in the following ways:
Voter Effectiveness
• Verify voting devices are designed to allow voters to accurately cast a ballot
that will be counted as their selections are intended.
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that this requirement
was satisfactorily covered – the voting application is designed to allow
voters to accurately mark their ballot as they intend.
• Verify voting devices incorporate best practices for user interface design in
order to reduce undervotes.
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that this requirement
was satisfactorily covered – the review screen reduces opportunities for
un-intended undervotes.
Voter Efficiency
• Verify voting device interfaces are designed to support a voter’s ability to
accomplish completion of their ballot such that they are confident that
his/her ballot will be counted as intended.
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that this requirement
was satisfactorily covered – the voting application interface is designed
to allow voters to complete their ballot as they intend.
• Verify voting devices are designed to minimize the number of interactions
that are required to complete typical actions during a voting session.
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that this requirement
was satisfactorily covered – the number of interactions needed to
complete typical tasks is minimized.
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Voter Satisfaction
• Verify voting systems are designed to support a voting process that is easy
and intuitive.
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that this requirement
was satisfactorily covered – the voting process is designed to be easy
and intuitive.
• Verify voting systems interfaces make it clear to the voter how to begin the
voting process.
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that this requirement
was satisfactorily covered – the system interface makes it clear as to
how the voter is to begin.
• Verify voting systems interfaces make it unequivocally clear to the voter
whether a ballot has been successfully cast or not.
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that this requirement
was satisfactorily covered – the system makes it clear when the process
is finished, with the printing of the ballot.
• Verify voting systems do not overload voters with excessive information at
any one time.
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that this requirement
was satisfactorily covered – excessive information is not presented to the
voter at any one time.
• Verify voting systems offer voters indicators of the overall progress in the
voting session, to make it clear what steps have already been completed,
and what steps remain before completion.
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that this requirement
was satisfactorily covered – the voter can easily determine their progress
in the voting session.
• Verify voting systems make it clear when the voter has completed each step
or task in the voting process.
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that this requirement
was satisfactorily covered – the system provides the voter clear
indications as to when a step or task is complete in the voting process.
• Verify voting systems allow users to easily find the races they wish to vote.
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that this requirement
was satisfactorily covered – the system allows voters to easily find races
that they wish to vote on.
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• Verify voting systems minimize the presentation of extraneous information in
the visual or audio interface.
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that this requirement
was satisfactorily covered – the system minimizes presentation of
information in the visual interface.
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that this requirement
was satisfactorily covered – the system minimizes presentation of
information in the audio interface.
3.3 Accessibility Requirements
3.3.1 General
The requirements of this section are relevant to a wide variety of disabilities.
a. Accessibility throughout the voting session – A VEBD shall be integrated
into the manufacturer’s complete voting system so as to support
accessibility for disabled voters throughout the voting session.
i. Documentation of Accessibility Procedures – The manufacturer shall
supply documentation describing:
o Recommended procedures that fully implement accessibility for
voters with disabilities; and (3.3.1.a.i.1)
o How a VEBD supports those procedures. (3.3.1.a.i.2)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was satisfactorily covered – with a RAVBM system, the voter is utilizing
their personal equipment, which provides them with the level of
accessibility that they need for any given disabilities.
b. Complete information in alternative formats – When the provision of
accessibility involves an alternative format for ballot presentation, then all
information presented to non-disabled voters, including instructions,
warnings, error and other messages, and contest choices, shall be
presented in that alternative format. (3.3.1.b)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was satisfactorily covered – alternative formats provide complete
information.
c. Secondary means of voter identification – If a voting system provides for
voter identification or authentication by using biometric measures that
require a voter to possess particular biological characteristics, then the
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system shall provide a secondary means that does not depend on those
characteristics. (3.3.1.d)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS showed that this requirement is
not applicable – no biometric measures are required.
d. Accessibility of paper-based vote verification – If a VEBD generates a paper
record (or some other durable, human-readable record) for the purpose of
allowing voters to verify their votes, then the system shall provide a means
to ensure that the verification record is accessible to all voters with
disabilities.
i. Audio readback for paper-based vote verification – If a VEBD generates
a paper record (or some other durable, human-readable record) for the
purpose of allowing voters to verify their votes, then the system shall
provide a mechanism that can read that record and generate an audio
representation of its contents. (3.3.1.e.i)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was not applicable, as voters will implement their own hardware. If a
voter has equipment that utilizes either OCR technology, or a QR reader
with audio playback, then they would be able to obtain an audio read
back of their printed ballot.
3.3.2 Low Vision
These requirements specify the features of the accessible voting station
designed to assist voters with low vision.
a. Usability testing by S-ATA for voters with low vision - The S-ATA shall
conduct summative usability tests on the voting system using individuals
with low vision and shall report the test results, using the Common Industry
Format. (3.3.2.a)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was not applicable, as voters will implement their own hardware.
b. Adjustable saturation for color displays - An accessible voting station with a
color electronic image display shall allow the voter to adjust the color
saturation throughout the voting session while preserving the current votes.
At least two options shall be available: a high and a low saturation
presentation. (3.3.2.b)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was not applicable, as voters will implement their own hardware.
c. Distinctive buttons and controls – Buttons and controls on accessible voting
stations shall be distinguishable by both shape and color. This applies to
buttons and controls implemented either "on-screen" or in hardware. This
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requirement does not apply to sizeable groups of keys, such as a
conventional 4x3 telephone keypad or a full alphabetic keyboard. (3.3.2.c)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was not applicable, as voters will implement their own hardware.
d. Synchronized audio and video – The voting station shall provide
synchronized audio output to convey the same information as that which is
displayed on the screen. There shall be a means by which the voter can
disable either the audio or the video output, resulting in a video-only or
audio-only presentation, respectively. The system shall allow the voter to
switch among the three modes (synchronized audio/video, video-only, or
audio-only) throughout the voting session while preserving the current votes.
(3.3.2.d)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was not applicable, as voters will implement their own hardware.
Synchronized audio/video, video-only, or audio only are all obtainable. If
the voter environment contains a screen, audio output, and a screen
reader, synchronized output is available. The voter can turn off audio to
have video only. Likewise the voter can turn off video display to have
audio only.
3.3.3 Blindness
These requirements specify the features of the accessible voting station designed
to assist voters who are blind.
a. Usability testing by S-ATA for blind voters - The S-ATA shall conduct
summative usability tests on the voting system using individuals who are
blind and shall report the test results, using the Common Industry
Format.
b. Audio-tactile interface – The accessible voting station shall provide an
audio-tactile interface (ATI) that supports the full functionality of the visual
ballot interface. Full functionality includes at a minimum:
o Instructions and feedback on initial activation of the ballot (such as
insertion of a smart card), if applicable; (3.3.3.b.1)
o Instructions and feedback to the voter on how to operate the
accessible voting station, including settings and options (e.g., volume
control, repetition); (3.3.3.b.2)
o Instructions and feedback for navigation of the ballot; (3.3.3.b.3)
o Instructions and feedback for contest choices, including write-in
candidates; (3.3.3.b.4)
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o Instructions and feedback on confirming and changing votes;
(3.3.3.b.5)
o Instructions and feedback on final submission of ballot. (3.3.3.b.6)
i. Equivalent functionality of ATI – The ATI of the accessible voting station
shall provide the same capabilities to vote and cast a ballot as are
provided by its visual interface. (3.3.3.b.i)
ii. ATI supports repetition – The ATI shall allow the voter to have any
information provided by the voting system repeated. (3.3.3.b.ii)
iii. ATI supports pause and resume – The ATI shall allow the voter to pause
and resume the audio presentation. (3.3.3.b.iii)
iv. ATI supports transition to next or previous contest – The ATI shall allow
the voter to skip to the next contest or return to previous contests.
(3.3.3.b.iv)
v. ATI can skip initiative or referendum wording – The ATI shall allow the
voter to skip over the reading of an initiative or referendum so as to be
able to vote on it immediately. (3.3.3.b.v)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that these requirements
were not applicable, as voters will implement their own hardware.
c. Audio features and characteristics – Voting stations that provide audio
presentation of the ballot shall do so in a usable way, as detailed in the
following sub-requirements.
vii. Intelligible audio – The audio presentation of verbal information by both
recorded and synthetic speech shall be readily comprehensible by
voters who have normal hearing and are proficient in the language. This
includes such characteristics as proper enunciation, normal intonation,
appropriate rate of speech, and low background noise. Candidate names
shall be pronounced as the candidate intends. This requirement applies
to those aspects of the audio content that are inherent to the voting
system or that are generated by default. (3.3.3.c.vii)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that these requirements
were not applicable, as voters will implement their own hardware.
d. Ballot activation – If the voting station supports ballot activation for non-blind
voters, then it shall also provide features that enable voters who are blind to
perform this activation. (3.3.3.d)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was satisfactorily covered – blind voters are able to activate the ballot
using their personal equipment.
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e. Ballot submission and vote verification – If the voting station supports ballot
submission or vote verification for non-blind voters, then it shall also provide
features that enable voters who are blind to perform these actions. (3.3.3.e)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was satisfactorily covered – the system enables blind voters to verify
votes and print their ballot.
3.3.4 Dexterity
These requirements specify the features of the accessible voting station designed
to assist voters who lack fine motor control or use of their hands.
a. Usability testing by S-ATA for voters with dexterity disabilities - The S-
ATA shall conduct summative usability tests on the voting system using
individuals lacking fine motor control and shall report the test results,
using the Common Industry Format.
b. Support for non-manual input – The accessible voting station shall provide
a mechanism to enable non-manual input that is functionally equivalent to
tactile input. All the functionality of the accessible voting station (e.g.,
straight party voting, write-in candidates) that is available through the
conventional forms of input, such as tactile, shall also be available through
non-manual input mechanisms such as mouth sticks and "sip and puff"
switches. (3.3.4.b)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that these requirements
were not applicable, as voters will implement their own hardware.
3.3.6 Hearing
These requirements specify the features of the accessible voting station designed
to assist voters with hearing disabilities.
a. Reference to audio requirements – The accessible voting station shall
incorporate the features listed under the requirements for voting equipment
that provides audio presentation of the ballot. (3.3.6.a)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that these requirements
were not applicable, as voters will implement their own hardware.
b. Visual redundancy for sound cues – If the voting system provides sound
cues as a method to alert the voter, the tone shall be accompanied by a
visual cue, unless the station is in audio-only mode. (3.3.6.b)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was satisfactorily covered – sound cues have accompanying visual cues.
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3.3.7 English Proficiency
These requirements specify the features of the accessible voting station designed
to assist voters who lack proficiency in reading English.
Use of ATI- For voters who lack proficiency in reading English, the voting
equipment shall provide an audio interface for instructions and ballots. (3.3.7)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that this requirement
was not applicable, as voters will implement their own hardware.
3.3.8 Speech
Speech not to be required by equipment – Voting equipment shall not require
voter speech for its operation. (3.3.8)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was satisfactorily covered – the system does not require speech by the
voter for operation.
Tools Implemented During Testing
The tools listed below were utilized during testing:
• Wave Web Accessibility evaluation tool:
o A tool used to evaluate accessibility of Websites, to Web Content
Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 1.2 and section 508
o The manufacturer provided URLs which were run through Multi-guideline
Accessibility and Usability Validation Environment (MAUVE) to help
determine accessibility
• Evaluera website
o A tool used to evaluate web applications regarding conformance to the
WCAG 1.2.
o The manufacturer provided URLs which were run through 508 Checker
to help determine compliance.
o http://www.evaluera.co.uk/
• ChromeVox
o A screen reader that is an extension of Google Chrome and is used to
assist visually impaired users.
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Phase III – Privacy Testing
In this phase, functional tests were exercised in order to verify and validate the
following in accordance with the applicable CVSS requirements:
• 3.2.4.1 Privacy at the Polls
• 3.2.4.2 No Recording of Alternative Format Usage
• EC19295 RAVBMS Requirements
Privacy at the Polls
a. Visual privacy – The ballot, any other visible record containing ballot
information, and any input controls shall be visible only to the voter during
the voting session and ballot submission. (3.2.4.1.a)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was satisfactorily covered as the voter will utilize their own hardware in
the environment of their choosing.
b. Auditory privacy – During the voting session, the audio interface of the
voting system shall be audible only to the voter. (3.2.4.1.b)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was satisfactorily covered as the voter will utilize their own hardware in
the environment of their choosing.
c. Privacy of warnings – The voting system shall issue all warnings in a way
that preserves the privacy of the voter and the confidentiality of the ballot.
(3.2.4.1.c)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was satisfactorily covered as the voter will utilize their own hardware in
the environment of their choosing.
d. No receipts – The voting system shall not issue a receipt to the voter that
would provide proof to another of how the voter voted. (3.2.4.1.d)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that this requirement
was not applicable as the voter will implement their own hardware, and
print their own marked ballot, as a RAVBM system.
No Recording of Alternative Format Usage
a. No information shall be kept within an electronic Central Voter Registration
(CVR) that identifies any alternative language feature(s) used by a voter.
(3.2.4.2.a)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was satisfactorily covered, as CVR’s are not created.
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b. No information shall be kept within an electronic CVR that identifies any
accessibility feature(s) used by a voter. (3.2.4.2.b)
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was satisfactorily covered, as CVR’s are not created.
19295 RAVBMS Requirements
• The RAVBM shall not have the capability, including an optional capability, to
use a remote server to mark a voter’s selections transmitted to the server
from the voter’s computer via the Internet. [EC19295(a)]
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was satisfactorily covered – the system does not use a remote server to
mark a voter’s selections.
• The RAVBM shall not have the capability, including an optional capability, to
store any voter identifiable selections on any remote server. [EC19295(b)]
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was satisfactorily covered – the system does not have the capability to
store any voter identifiable selections on any remote server.
• The RAVBM shall not have the capability, including the optional capability,
to tabulate votes. [EC19295(c)]
Review of the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS validated that the requirement
was satisfactorily covered – the system does not have the capability to
tabulate votes.
Summary
The testing conducted for the VSAP 1.2 ISB RAVBMS included validation of
accessibility, usability, and privacy requirements as set forth by the State of
California.
This report identifies those requirements and the results of the testing performed.
Three issues were encountered in meeting the requirements.
For requirements 3.2.8.e and 3.2.8.f, there are no inactivity warnings.
For requirement 3.2.7.c.ii, navigation keys (up and down arrows, tab) did have a
repetitive effect
As per the direction given by the California Secretary of State, this security testing
report does not include any recommendation as to whether or not the system
should be approved.
End of Accessibility, Usability, and Privacy Test Report
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