Forwarded Message on participation in testing of voting machines

Written by: John McBride on Oct 18, 2006 1:35 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Democracy for New York

Public Participation Encouraged

The New York State Board of Elections has announced dates for "usability" testing. This testing will establish the number of voters that can be served in an election by each voting systems submitted for NYS certification. This is a vitally important test, as it will determine how many new voting machines will be required to replace each lever machine, and therefore determine the number of voting machines that must be purchased by New York counties.

The timing studies are being conducted by the American Institutes for Research, (AIR) a not-for-profit research organization. Members of the public who choose to participate will be timed as they vote a simulated ballot on each of the systems being tested. Each participant will be asked to complete a pre-test and post-test questionnaire. Participants will be paid $30 for their contribution to this important test. You should plan on being available for several hours on the day of the tests.

In order for the results to be accurate, it is important that as wide a cross-section of the voting public as possible take part as "test" voters. Participation is open to all members of the public, and pre-registration is not required. We encourage everyone to get out and help the State Board of Elections by taking part in these extremely important tests.

The studies will conducted in three locations in New York State on different dates. While it is not required to pre-register, it is highly recommend that you contact the local Boards at the numbers below to let them know that you intend to participate. The locations and dates are below. Please make every effort to participate in these tests.

-Bo Lipari

Usability Test Locations, Dates and Times


Rochester
Friday, October 20, 2006
Location - Center for Disability Rights
497 State Street
Rochester, NY 14608
Time: 9am to 6pm

Saturday, October 21, 2006
Location - The Marketplace Mall in Henrietta
1 Miracle Mile Drive
Rochester, NY 14623
Time: 8am - 8pm
Testing at the mall will be conducted in the court area in front of Macys. Please use the North mall entrance.

Let the Monroe County Board of Elections know you are planning to attend. Call them at 585-753-1550.

New York City
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Friday, October 27, 2006
Location - Brooklyn (Kings County) Board of Elections
345 Adams Street, 4th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Time: 8am to 7pm

Let the NYC Board of Elections know you are planning to attend. Call Valerie Vasquez Rivera at the New York City Board, at 212-487-5404.

Capitol Region - Albany/Schenectady/Rensselaer Counties
Thursday, November 2, 2006
Friday, November 3, 2006
Location - Not yet determined
Time - Not yet determined


If you are interested in participating in the Capitol region tests, please call the New York State Board of Elections for updated information about the locations and times at 518-473-5086.

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Location: NY 11101