How does the Ballot Drop Box Scanner device handle possible instances of tampering?
- The locks have a built-in accelerometer that can detect impact to the device and report the activity. There are no exposed screws on the device.
- The intent of the Ballot Drop Box Scanner is to add another tracking data point, not necessarily to prevent tampering. It should be noted; however, that there are many built in features of the ballot drop box to prevent tampering.
How fast will voters receive their text notification, after depositing their vote-by-mail ballot into the box?
- It will be sent within minutes, or near real-time, of scanning their barcode.
Are there security concerns?
- This is not connected to any systems with sensitive information. Only your ballot issued ID is transmitted in the process, which does not contain any sensitive information.
How does this new technology work?
- It simply reads the barcode on the ballot and transmits the information to notify us that the ballot has been scanned. It simply builds upon our existing ballot tracking technology and system. This technology is used in other industries, such as the healthcare industry.
How do voters opt into receiving the text notifications?
- They can sign up to OC Ballot Express at ocvote.gov/track
How will voters see the data?
- It will be integrated into the existing OC Ballot Express tracking system. There will also be text and/or email notifications if they have signed up for notifications on OC Ballot Express.
How quickly can we access the tracking information of the ballot?
- In general tracking information is updated on a nightly basis. The information from this particular data point will be available in near real-time.
How were the top 9 ballot boxes were selected?
- The heaviest used drop boxes in the November Election were selected to be the pilot drop boxes.
What Ballot Boxes will have Ballot Drop Box Scanner Technology present?
Where is the press release?
Is this the first time this has been applied to elections?
- Yes. This has been widely used in the medical industry, but it is the first of its kind for elections.
Where can I find a list of ballots drop boxes?
- A list will be available on our website at ocvote.gov/dropbox.
Why isn’t my ballot box included in the Ballot Drop Box Scanner pilot?
- Currently the pilot only includes the nine highest used drop boxes.
Am I missing out of an extra level of security by not using Ballot Drop Box Scanner?
- You are not missing an extra level of security, as this is a pilot to test its functionality and usability.
Do I need to scan multiple ballots before dropping off multiple votes by mail envelope?
- Yes, every envelope will need to be scanned.
I scanned my ballot, but did not receive a text. What do I do to receive tracking?
- You can opt in by signing up for notifications using OC Ballot Express, at ocvote.gov/track; however, you can also track your ballot without subscribing by going to ocvote.gov/track at any time.
When I scan my envelope, do I receive a response from the Ballot Drop Box Scanner device?
- Yes, there is an audible response from the device and you will be notified by text/email if you have signed up using OC Ballot Express, at ocvote.gov/track, to receive notifications.
What is the benefit of scanning my envelope?
- We can notify you of the status of your ballot after inserting it into the ballot box. At this time we are conducting a pilot to explore the potential for future benefits.