The use of electronic voting systems has caused controversy in the media and among the general public, and has even come under the scrutiny of the law courts. It has become clear that the uncertainties surrounding the introduction of e-voting are rarely of a technical nature, but primarily raise political and societal concerns. The key issue is to ensure that the principles of free and fair elections are upheld, regardless of the voting method chosen.This handbook is written for governments and organisations considering whether or not to conduct e-voting pilot schemes and trials or to make e-voting a feature of their electoral system. It reviews relevant issues such as building and safeguarding trust in the system, the value of open-source software and the implications of a voter verifiable audit paper trail. Concrete e-voting issues are discussed in the framework of the electoral cycle.This handbook can be used as a stand-alone guide, but governments or organisations would benefit most by consulting it in conjunction with Recommendation Rec(2004)11 of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on legal, operational and technical standards for e-voting.
Introduction
Chapter 1 - Different types of electronic tool
Chapter 2 - Points to consider before introducing e-voting
2.1. Principal points to consider
2.1.1. Voter verified paper audit trail
2.1.2. End-to-end verification
2.1.3. Family voting
2.2. General points to consider
2.2.1. Confidence
2.2.2. Public debate
2.2.3. Accessibility
2.3. Technical points to consider
2.3.1. Open-source or proprietary software
2.3.2. Identification and authentication of the voter
2.3.3. Removing the link between vote and voter
2.3.4. Design of the electronic ballot paper
2.3.5. Confirmation of the vote
2.3.6. Voting period
Chapter 3 - Pre-electoral period (preparations)
3.1. Legal framework
3.1.1. Constitution
3.1.2. Legislation
3.1.3. Electoral systems and electoral districts
3.1.4. Electoral management body
3.1.5. Codes of conduct
3.2. Planning and implementation
3.2.1. Budgeting, funding and financing
3.2.2. Election calendar
3.2.3. Recruitment
3.2.4. Procurement
3.2.5. Logistics
3.2.6. Security
3.3.Training and education
3.3.1. Operational training for election officials
3.3.2. Civic education
3.3.3. Voter information and training
3.4. Registration and nominations
3.4.1. Voter registration
3.4.2. Observer accreditation
3.4.3. Parties and candidates
3.5. Election campaign
Chapter 4 - Electoral period (operations)
4.1. Voting operations and election day
4.1.1. Pre-voting period
4.1.2. Voting period
4.1.3. Post-voting period
4.1.4. Special and external voting
4.2. Vote counting
4.3. Tabulation of results
4.3.1. Tabulation of results
4.3.2. Complaints and appeals
4.3.3. Official results
Chapter 5 - Post-electoral period (strategies)
5.1. Post-electoral period
5.1.1. Audits and evaluation
5.1.2. Archiving and research
5.1.3. Voter register update
5.1.4. Legal reform
5.1.5. Institutional strengthening and professional development
Appendix I - Glossary of terms
Appendix II-Bibliography
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