The Loveliest Village

When we are traveling to the polls to cast the ballot of our choice, how often do we think of those with disabilities and if they are having the opportunity to place their vote? Voters with disabilities face barriers and discrimination nationwide. Auburn University is partnering with IBM, Indiana University and the AU Center for Governmental Services to make a change in the voting system and give voters with disabilities a chance to have their voices heard through their votes.

Receiving a grant from the AU Outreach Office, Professor Juan Gilbert of Auburn University began research for the voting system on Oct. 19, 2006 with a team of 10 Auburn graduate students and faculty members. The advanced electronic voting system they began working on is called Prime III; it enables those with certain disabilities to vote in elections with privacy and simplicity. The name Prime stands for premier voting systems and the number III incorporates the three methods of voting used by the program: visual, touch and speech.

Gilbert believes Prime III will be successful and helpful. “It will enable a greater group of people to participate in our electoral process, plus it is secure,� states Gilbert. He envisioned the idea for Prime III after hearing a specialist in electronic voting talk about the flaws in existing electronic voting systems. “It was noted then that electronic voting systems were found to be quite vulnerable to hackers, faulty code, lack of recount ability and human error,� says Gilbert.

Prime III is an electronic voting system for people with disabilities such as, hearing, visual and physical; however, it can be used by everyone. The voting system incorporates the current voting process that the voter is accustomed to using and significantly improves upon it. “This approach allows voters with disabilities to remain confident and calm while using the enhanced voting system,� states Gilbert. “They will have the option of using the touch screen, headset with an embedded microphone or both to cast their ballot.�

Also, voter privacy will be secured by using randomly generated numbers during the time the voter views or hears their options. Then to ensure accuracy of vote counts and protect against malicious intent, a barcode system and printed ballot will be used while the voter is able to review and confirm their vote.

Gilbert and his team will continue to test the electronic voting system throughout the next year with several testing methods. Testing for the user interface will involve people simply voting for hamburgers and fries. As the individuals are voting, they will be observed and their reactions will be recorded.

However, the security side of the electronic system will have to be heavily tested in order for the program to be accepted and gain credibility. Auburn University joined by Indiana University will research and test the security of the system by sending the machines to various research labs for testing. While recording their methods and timing it, the research labs will try to hack the machines and change the vote count. “All of the findings will be reported after the completion of the research next year,� says Gilbert.

Auburn University’s Center for Governmental Services plans to work with the research team to seek approval of Prime III, if the test results are favorable. Vince Cross, an Auburn University graduate student researching the system’s software, has faith in the system and believes it is safe. “Numerous checks make it tougher to break in and change the data, therefore we believe it is the safest out there,� states Cross.

Prime III still faces the challenge of being accepted and embraced by the government and society. A new electronic voting system is a scary idea for many people. Some feel that it will lead to further problems and risks with America’s voting system.

Although, Gilbert and his research team think it will be accepted and preferred by the public due to their extreme testing being conducted on the system. “People can see, hear and feel their vote; it’s on the screen, in their ear and printed, so it’s in their hands,� says Gilbert. “We believe this will give people confidence in our technology.� Also, their open approach of not tying themselves to a political party increases their chances of being accepted. Gilbert states, “This project can’t be tied to any political bias. We are truth seekers through research.�

With the work and dedication of Auburn professor Juan Gilbert along with his research team, the electronic voting system will continued to be tested and improved. The hopes are that one day the system will successfully benefit voters with disabilities. Gilbert assures they are not looking for profit and states, “We’re just hoping to offer a secure alternative that builds voter confidence, such that every vote will be counted.�

For further information on Prime III, please visit Prime III Voting System

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