Center for Political Studies
Institute for Social Research
University of Michigan
P.O. Box 1248
Ann Arbor, MI
48106-1248

Voice: (734) 763-1348
Fax: (734) 764-3341

Title
An Assessment of Voting Technology and Ballot Design

PI
Michael Traugott

Co-Investigator
Fred Conrad

Direct Source
University of Maryland

Abstract
This project will draw on the expertise of political scientists, human factors psychologists, design engineers, computer experts, and election officials to achieve the following goals from the perspective of human factors considerations ("usability"):

1. Test existing voting technology and ballots
2. Create and test new voting technology and ballots.
3. Observe and analyze the impact of real-world changes in voting technology and ballot design.
4. Develop guidelines for voting system manufacturers and election officials.
5. Create a protocol for testing voting technology and ballots.

This proposal is designed to be conducted in partnership with the Federal Election Commission, Department of Justice, Department of Labor, National Association of Secretaries of State. By partnering with these agencies we will be able to draw on their expertise and experience, use their usability laboratory for research, disseminate information about the project and its results, encourage potential beneficiaries to review our findings and use our protocol, and communicate our findings and recommendations to companies that manufacture voting machines.