Describes research in support of test methods and materials for the Election Assistance Comm. next iteration of the Voluntary Voting System Guidelines. It is a digital color design guide for the electronic displays of voting systems. It encodes best practice for usability in general, and specifically to accommodate a wide range of color vision deficiencies. These guidelines have been written for digital system implementers (developers or designers). These guidelines should produce a system that is legible and avoids visual clutter and confusion. They are designed to accommodate users with less than perfect vision. These guidelines may set new standards for using color in a way that is functional and accessible. Illustrations.

Many election officials look to electronic voting systems as a means for improving their ability to more effectively conduct and administer elections. At the same time, many information technologists and activists have raised important concerns regarding the security of such systems. Policy makers are caught in the midst of a controversy with both political and technological overtones. The public debate about electronic voting is characterized by a great deal of emotion and rhetoric. Asking the Right Questions About Electronic Voting describes the important questions and issues that election officials, policy makers, and informed citizens should ask about the use of computers and information technology in the electoral processâ€"focusing the debate on technical and policy issues that need resolving. The report finds that while electronic voting systems have improved, federal and state governments have not made the commitment necessary for e-voting to be widely used in future elections. More funding, research, and public education are required if e-voting is to become viable.