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Our Voting System
(Updated March 30, 2009)

In compliance with the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA), Volusia County uses a blended voting system in each polling place.  Each precinct is provided an AccuVote-OS (optical scan) unit; used to tabulate paper ballots, and an AccuVote-AVE (accessible voting) unit; used to record votes cast on a touch screen.  In addition to recording votes, the tabulators provide a report of votes cast, produce a verifiable audit trail for every activity performed during an election, and are used to transmit results to the Department of Elections on Election Day.

Note:  By Florida Law, all voting shall be by marksense ballot (paper ballot) with the exception of voters having disabilities. (Florida Statute 101.56075)

AccuVote-OS Tabulator
A person using the AccuVote-OS tabulator is issued a paper ballot and directed to a voting booth, where they may vote their ballot in private.  The voter then inserts the ballot into the AccuVote-OS, which reads and records the votes marked on the paper ballot.  The ballot is then stored in the locked ballot box. 

How to vote using a paper ballot

1.  To vote, completely fill in the oval next to your choice.

2.  To vote for a write-in candidate, write the candidate's name on the line provided and fill in the oval next to his/her name.

3.  If you make a mistake, go immediately to the Voter Assistance table where your original ballot will be spoiled and replaced with a
new ballot.  A voter may receive up to two replacement ballots.

4.  Erasing or making other marks may cause the vote not to count.

5.  Before you leave the voting booth, review your ballot to ensure that it is completed to your satisfaction. 

6.  After you have finished marking your ballot, proceed to the ballot box and insert your ballot. 

Note:  Once a ballot has been deposited into the ballot box, a voter may not receive another, even if they indicate that they made a mistake or failed to mark any part of the ballot.

AccuVote-AVE Tabulator
The AccuVote-AVE tabulator meets the HAVA requirement to offer accessible voting to persons with disabilities.  The use of the AVE equipment is reserved for such persons.  A person using the AccuVote-AVE tabulator will be issued a ticket and directed to the Equipment Operator, who will program their ballot on the touch screen. 

How to vote using the accessible voting equipment

1.  To vote, touch the screen next to your choice.  Your selection will be highlighted and marked with an X. 

2.  To vote for a write-in candidate, touch the box next to the word write-in.  Use the on-screen keyboard to enter the name.  Press "Record Write-In" to record the entry and return to the ballot.

3.  If you make a mistake or wish to change your selection, simply touch the screen next to your choice and it will disappear.  Touch the screen again to make another selection.

4.  The final page of the ballot is the summary screen.  Before you cast your ballot, review this page to ensure that it is completed to your satisfaction.

5.  If you wish to change your selection in any race, you may touch the box where that race is displayed and it will take you back to the ballot. 

6.  Once you have finished marking your ballot, press "Cast Ballot" on the summary screen and your votes will be recorded.

Note:  Once a ballot has been cast on the AVE, a voter may not vote again, even if they indicate that they made a mistake or failed to mark any part of the ballot.

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