Electronic Vote Counting in a Metropolitan Area

Abstract

Jr is a basic requirement of a democracy that in elections each person's vote be counted accurately. Because methods of vote-casting and counting used in the United States have often failed to fulfill this basic obligation of the democratic system, electronic data processing is being introduced into votecounting. The use of such equipment in Hamilton County (Cincinnati), Ohio, has resulted in accurate vote-counting, better record-keeping, and increased public confidence in elections -with only a slight increase in overall election costs. Hamilton County, Ohio, had a 1960 population of 864,121, of whom 502,550 were residing in the central city, Cincinnati. There are 35 other municipalities within the county, plus 12 townships and 25 school districts, in all of which elections are held. Existing election procedures clearly were strained by the area's growth in population and in number of electors, a change of ballot form from party column to office column, burgeoning suburban areas with a consequent increase in the number of municipalities and school districts, a larger number of candidates and of proposals on the ballot, such as tax levies and bond issues, and a growing demand for speed in reporting election results. In Hamilton County, elections take place every year, with county, state, and national offices being filled in even years, and municipal, township, and school district offices in odd years. In even years, there is a countywide primary election in May, as well as a general election in November. In odd years, there are May primaries in a few municipalities. In addition, numerous special elections are held throughout the year. ) Speed and accuracy in the tabulation of election results can be described as essential in the conduct of elections in a modern democracy. Often, local Election Boards, seeking to change out-dated election practices, encounter a number of difficulties, not the least of which is lack of information about the procedures of other jurisdictions, the availability of electronic equipment, the costs of purchasing and maintaining equipment, the training of personnel, etc. The Hamilton County, Ohio Election Board became convinced that a basic change in its procedures was necessary after a recount in 1960 altered the outcome of an important local contest. The Board hoped to avoid major changes in the conditions under which voters go to the polls.