The OpenElect Voting Optical Scan (OVO) is a Precinct-level, full-age, dual-sided optical scan ballot system that scans and validates voters' ballots and provides a summary of all ballots cast. The Election is loaded from the OVS Election Server via a USB thumb drive. On Election Day, an OVO at each Polling Place scans and validates voters' ballots and provides Precinct tabulation and reporting. The OVO unit is also paired with the FVT (OpenElect FreedomVote Tablet) to scan and tabulate voting ballots. OVO units can also be used at the Montgomery County Clerk's office to read Vote by Mail and Provisional ballots. The OVO consists of the following components: a Personal Computer (PC), Transport Media, Ballot Reader, Printer and an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS).
Voting Instructions:
Please use the pen provided in the voting booth.
When voting, it is important to DARKEN THE OVAL COMPLETELY next to the name of the person for which you want to cast your vote. (DO NOT use an "x", a check mark, or circle the candidates name, these types of marks may not be properly tabulated.)
If you are voting for a write-in candidate, be sure to darken the oval next to the write-in candidate line, then write in the name of the candidate.
To know how many candidates can be selected for each race, be sure to read the instructions on your ballot, to insure that you do not "overvote" (vote for more candidates than allowed).
If you make a mistake, ask the election judge for a new ballot and one will be provided.
If you believe you have received an incorrect ballot or have questions, PLEASE ASK THE ELECTION JUDGE BEFORE YOU CAST YOUR VOTE AND PLACE YOUR BALLOT INTO THE VOTE TABULATOR. Once your ballot has been tabulated, you can not be given a new ballot.
If you have a question or problem with casting your ballot, please ask your election judge for assistance.
The OpenElect FreedomVote Tablet (FVT) is a ballot marking device that prints paper ballots that are counted in the same tabulators as other paper ballots. The FVT exceeds the voting requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by offering state-of-the-art features. Voters can navigate the ballot via the tablet's intuitive touchscreen technology and an audio presentation. It offers a sophisticated text-to-speech engine and the enhanced interface is easy to use and suitable for voters of all ages and skill levels.
The Election Judges initiate a voting session by scanning an initialization barcode underneath the FVT's barcode reader for voters. The voters mark their ballot choices on a 13.3-inch touchscreen display. A "review page" gives them the opportunity to check their choices and correct mistakes. Upon acceptance, voters print their ballots and take them to the OVO where they are scanned, counted and cast.
The FVT facilitates special needs voters through a variety of methods including wheelchair access, Help America Vote Act (HAVA)-compliant keypad and sip-n-puff, expanded font function, and audio assistance for the visually impaired.
Eligible Write-in Candidates are provided for when authorized by the jurisdiction. Voters input candidates' names via the HAVA-compliant keypad, touchscreen or sip-n-puff device.
