Swindon Voter FAQs

1. eVoting

2. Election Day

3. Accessibility

4. Eligibility and the Electoral Register

5. Remote Internet Voting

6. Telephone Voting

7. Postal Voting

8. Early Voting

9. Electronic Voting at a Polling Station

10. Proxy Voting

11. Security

1. eVoting

Why are these new forms of voting being tested?

Not everyone can get to a polling station. Therefore, it is important to introduce new ways to make it more accessible for all voters - including the disabled, time pressured, elderly and infirm - to exercise their right to vote.

Previous pilot schemes have provided important evidence about the impact of new procedures and this learning process will continue in 2007. This gradual process of independently evaluated piloting is the best way to test innovations, while preserving the trust and confidence people have in the electoral system.

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Is the UK ready for eVoting?

The UK is amongst the world leaders in e-commerce and e-government. By giving voters more choice in where they vote – from home, work, a local library or any Internet-enabled computer – Local Authorities can increase voter choice and accessibility.

All voters who are unable to or do not want to vote via the Internet or telephone can vote the traditional way – via traditional paper ballots at the Polling Station or postal ballots.

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Why are these new forms of voting being tested, when we have a proven and effective system of paper and ballot boxes?

As not everyone can get to a Polling Station, there is a need to make it easier for people to exercise their right to vote. More and more people are using the Internet every day and it is necessary to further the democratic process and allow people the choice to vote in the manner which is best for them.

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Did you have all-party support?

The political parties in Swindon are fully supportive of the effort to make voting more accessible for everyone by offering increased voting options in the May elections.

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The 1872 ballot act guarantees a secret ballot. How can Local Authority Officers justify remote voting when it clearly compromises this guarantee?

Remote eVoting is no different from postal voting in terms of ballot security. The Government has decided that today’s time-pressured voters need greater choice and accessibility in voting. Remote eVoting simply provides voters with an additional option to postal voting.

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In order to promote fair access to voting for everyone, wouldn’t Internet voting require every segment of the population to have access to the Internet?

This would be the case for full Internet voting. However, the Swindon pilot offers remote Internet voting alongside other methods to ensure everyone has the opportunity to vote in the way they find most convenient.

Voters can choose to vote using the Internet at home, but can also vote by telephone, postal vote, electronically at a Polling Station, or via traditional ‘pen and paper’ methods.

The true value of these pilots is that they provide voters with the choice to vote by the method that suits them best.

In addition, electronic Polling Stations and 0800 number telephone voting means eVoting is available free of charge.

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Isn’t eVoting just a gimmick?

eVoting is designed to provide greater choice and accessibility for today’s voter. The ability to vote in one’s own time and terms is a means to encourage and enable voting among groups traditionally underrepresented in traditional polls – the disabled, the young and the time pressured.

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Don’t eVoting suppliers keep their systems secret from the government, so we cannot know that they are recording and counting votes correctly?

The Swindon solution is completely open to audit and was specifically designed so that each election can be security-audited prior to opening and again upon closing.

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Can the online system handle the number of voters?

Scalability, reliability and security are the cornerstones of the eVoting application. The system is designed to cope with large volumes, and will be set up as though every voter will use each method, to ensure the system will cope with any volume on Election Day and during the early voting period.

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How can voters be sure they have reached the authentic voting site?

Voters should make sure that they have logged on to www.swindonelection.com directly. They should not attempt to find the website via a search engine like Google. Voters should either type the address in manually, click on the link in www.myelection.co.uk/swindon only or cut and paste it in.

If a voter can not see their address bar they need to go to View > Toolbars in most browsers and check "Address Bar".

Once voters have confirmed that they are logged on to www.swindonelection.com they can check the digital signature on the voting applet to ensure the ballot and voting site are valid. They should also see the address 'https://www.live.swindonelection.com.

Voters should also see a padlock displayed on their browser. They can double-click on this padlock to see the web site’s security certificate.

If you discover that the site is not authentic, please notify the Election Office on 01793 463 543 or Eddie Bush at the Swindon Police Department on 01793 507 865.

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What happens if the system fails on Election Day or during the Early Voting period?

Any system has the risk that it will go down at some stage, whether due to electrical faults, denial of service attacks or other unforeseen issues. This is why it is always important to have a contingency plan in place.

Electronic Polling Stations will have back up generators in case of power outages and the election can revert to pencil and paper methods if absolutely necessary.

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2. Election Day

Why do the staff in the polling station write down my electoral number before they allow me to vote?

The law requires every ballot paper to have a unique serial number. The law also requires that a record is kept of the serial number of the ballot paper that is issued to every elector. That is why the staff in the polling station record the serial number of the ballot paper against the electoral number.

At the close of the poll, the documents which list the serial numbers of the ballot papers and the list of to whom they have been issued are sealed in special packets and cannot be opened unless a court order to do so is obtained.

The reason this is done is to enable checks to be made should a legal challenge be made to the result of the election. It is possible in law for the result of an election to be challenged through what is known as an election petition. It is possible for the eligibility of a single or a number of electors right to vote to be challenged in the courts after an election. If the challenge is successful the court can order that the ballot papers of the electors who were not eligible to vote be retrieved and their votes discounted and the result of the election changed to reflect the removal of these votes from the total.

This is a very unusual occurrence and there are legal processes in place to protect the identity of electors and how they have voted from being discovered except in circumstances when a court orders that it should be done. There is only a very short period in which a challenge can be made – 21 days from the date of the election and if no challenge is made in that period all documents are subsequently destroyed.

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If I make a mistake on the ballot paper in the polling station, can I have a new ballot paper?

If you spoil your ballot paper in the polling station you can ask the Presiding Officer to issue you with another one provided you have not put the first ballot paper you were given in the ballot box. You must hand the spoilt ballot paper intact to the Presiding Officer before you will be given another one. If you have already put your ballot paper into the ballot box you cannot be given another one.

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What if I cannot get to the polling station on Election Day?

If you are unable to get to a polling station on Election Day, you can apply to pre-register to use internet or telephone voting between 26th April and 2 May (a form will have already been sent to you). Alternatively you can contact us for an application form to apply for an Absent Vote

There are two types:

Postal Vote - where your ballot paper is sent to you at the address you request. You can download an application form from www.swindon.gov.uk under E for electoral registration. Completed applications must be received by the Electoral Registration Officer no later than 5.00 pm on 18th April if they are to be effective for the election on 3rd May 2007.

Proxy Vote - where you nominate someone to go to the polling station and vote on your behalf. Contact the elections helpline on Swindon (01793) 463543 or e-mail us at elecreg@swindon.gov.uk for more information and an application form.

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Can I still vote traditionally?

eVoting is all about making it easier and more convenient for all voters to cast their ballots by expanding voting options. Traditional voters are still able to cast their ballot via post or at the polling place.

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Can I vote at any polling station?

Yes. This year you will be able to vote electronically at any polling station within the Borough. If you wish to vote by paper ballot you will still need to go to your allocated polling station.

Details of your polling station will be on your poll card. Alternatively, you can go to www.myelection.co.uk/swindon and type in your house name or number and your postcode to discover the location of your polling station.

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I don’t know where my polling station is. How can I find out?

In the envelope in which your poll card will be a leaflet with a map showing the location of your polling station.

If you can’t find that leaflet, you can call the elections helpline on Swindon (01793) 463543 or go to www.swindon.gov.uk/myelection and type in your house name or number and your postcode to discover the location of your polling station.

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Must I have a poll card to vote?

Not if you are voting at a polling station, although it will help the polling station staff to quickly find your name on the register.

If you have pre-registered to vote remotely by Internet or telephone, you will need the special Ballot Code on your poll card to access the system, along with you date of birth and the PIN number you chose during pre-registration.

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I don’t know who my candidates are, how can I find out?

Once candidates are confirmed on the 10th April, you will be able to find out the names of the candidates that you can choose to vote for by visiting www.swindon.gov.uk/myelection and enter your house name or number and your postcode or by calling the elections helpline on Swindon (01793) 463543.

Remember, in the Borough Council election you can only vote for one candidate. If you vote for more your vote will not be counted.

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3. Accessibility

Why eVoting – What are the Benefits?

The Pilots are designed to test new options so that all voters, including the disabled, time pressured, elderly and infirm, will be able to cast their ballots independently – on their own time and terms.

eVoting can make elections more accessible either by allowing disabled voters, such as visually or mobility impaired, to cast their ballots unaided or by allowing those unable to make it to the polls, such as the elderly, to vote from home or wherever they find it most convenient.

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Will those with disabilities be able to eVote safely and conveniently?

The Disability Discrimination Act 2005 amended the 1995 Disability Discrimination Act to mandate that public authorities have a duty to build disability equality into the way they carry out their functions, from planning through to evaluation. This requirement is known as the Disability Equality Duty.

Accessibility and disability groups have supported eVoting in the past because eVoting can help enable all voters, including the disabled, time pressured, elderly and infirm, to cast their ballots independently – on their own time and terms. Swindon plans to actively work with these groups for the May 2007 pilots to ensure the election is accessible to everyone.

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In order to promote fair access to voting for everyone, wouldn’t Internet voting require every segment of the population to have access to the Internet?

This would only be true if the proposed pilot only offered Internet-based, which is not the case.

Voters in Swindon will be able to choose from a range of voting options, including: remote Internet voting, telephone voting, electronic and ‘vote anywhere’ polling stations, postal voting and traditional pen and paper.

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Will those who speak a minority language be able to vote?

Swindon Borough Council is committed to ensuring the elections are as accessible as possible. For this year’s elections, voting information will be available in Bengali, Konkani and Portuguese for all electronic voting methods.

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Can people who share telephones use the same phone to vote?

Yes. All members of your family, household or neighbours can vote from the same telephone, but each voter must use his or her unique Pin Number, Date of Birth and Ballot Code (found on the polling cards).

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4. Eligibility and the Electoral Register

Who is eligible to vote?

You must be eighteen years or over (if you are 18 on the day of the election you can vote in that election).

Voting is open to:

  • All British, Irish and other European Union citizens
  • All Commonwealth citizens
  • Overseas electors
  • Members of HM Forces and their spouses
  • Crown servants employed outside the United Kingdom

In addition to this, your name must be on the electoral register being used for the election on 3 May 2007

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What is the Electoral Register?

The Electoral Register is a list compiled by the Electoral Registration Officer of persons eligible to vote in elections within the Borough. The Electoral Registration Officer has a statutory duty to compile it each year. The Register is a public document and is available for inspection at the Civic Offices, Euclid Street, Swindon or at the Reference Library, Regent Circus, Swindon.

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How do I get my name onto the Electoral Register in time to vote in the Elections on 3rd May?

You have until the 18th April 2007 to apply for your name to be added to the electoral register to ensure you maintain your right to vote on 3 May 2007. Please contact us to apply for a registration form by ringing or emailing us. Alternatively, you can download an electoral registration form from www.swindon.gov.uk under E for electoral registration.

Your name will then appear on the voting register. We will write to tell you when your application is allowed. Any elector can object to your name being added to the register, but If this happens we will write to you.

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How can I find out whether I am on the Electoral Register?

You can check the Electoral Register either at the Civic Offices, Euclid Street, Swindon or at the Reference Library, Regent Circus, Swindon. Alternatively, you can call the elections helpline on Swindon (01793) 463543 or e-mail us at elecreg@swindon.gov.uk.

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I don’t seem to be on the register. What do I do?

All you have to do is complete an elector registration form or call the elections helpline on Swindon (01793) 463543 or e-mail us at elecreg@swindon.gov.uk. You can download an electoral registration form from www.swindon.gov.uk under E for electoral registration.

If you are not already registered as a voter, apply before 18th April to ensure you can vote at the elections on 3rd May.

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Can I change my registration now I have moved house so that I can vote in the polling station at my new address?

Electronic voting in every polling station in Swindon will allow you to vote at a polling station of your choice. However, you will need to complete an elector registration form for your new address. You can download an electoral registration form from www.swindon.gov.uk under E for electoral registration. If the form is received by us no later than 18th April your name will appear on the electoral register for 3rd May for voting. If it is received after this date your name will then appear on the register within 2 to 6 weeks of receiving your form - the register is usually updated at the beginning of each month from any new details received up to approx. the 10th day of the month before.

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5. Remote Internet Voting

What is the URL for the voting site?

www.swindonelection.com

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How do I know the site I am on is genuine?

The voting site address is www.swindonelection.com. Please ensure this is what you have entered. If you can't see their address bar they need to go to View > Toolbars in most browsers and check "Address Bar". Do not search for the site on search engines like Google. Please cut and paste this address, click on the link from 'www.myelection.co.uk/swindon' only or type it in manually.

There should also be a padlock displayed on your browser. You can double-click on this padlock to see the site’s security certificate. You should also see the address 'https://www.live.swindonelection.com'

If you discover that the site is not authentic, please notify the Election Office on 01793 463 543 or Eddie Bush at the Swindon Police Department on 01793 507 865.

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The first page says ‘Continue’. Do I click this to carry on voting?

Yes. Please click on the ‘Continue’ button to proceed.

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Can I vote in other languages besides English?

Yes. The electronic voting system allows voters to choose to vote in one of four different languages:

  • English
  • Konkani
  • Bengali
  • Portuguese

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I want to choose to vote in ‘LANGUAGE X’. How do I do this?

On the second page of the voting system, there are four different buttons.

  • To vote in English, please click on the button which reads ‘Click here to vote in English’.
  • To vote in Konkani, please click on the button which says ‘Click here to vote in Konkani’.
  • To vote in Bengali, please click on the button which says ‘Click here to vote in Bengali’.
  • To vote in Portuguese, please click on the button which says ‘Click here to vote in Portuguese’.

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Why do I need my Date of Birth, Pin Number and Ballot Code?

You will need these three identifiers for remote electronic voting (Internet and telephone) to access the voting system. We are using these three identifiers to increase security and make sure your vote is entirely private.

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What is my Ballot Code?

Your Ballot Code is the 10 digit code on your Poll Card. This was generated for you when the Council received your pre-registration form.

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Where do I find my Ballot Code?

Your Poll Card was posted to you by Swindon Borough Council. It is sealed, like a pin number for a credit card. Your Ballot Code can be found by opening the sealed Poll Card.

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What do I do if I cannot find my Ballot Code?

Without your Ballot Code, you cannot vote by Internet remotely. Instead, why not go to one of the Early Voting libraries between 26th April and 2 May, or vote electronically at any Polling Station on Election Day?

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I have typed in information but the page hasn’t changed. What do I do?

Have you read and followed the instructions on the screen? Once you have read everything you require and have followed any instruction, please click on the button to continue. There is a button on the page you must click to move forward.

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The page tells me it is loading. The page has not done anything in a few minutes. What should I do?

Please click the ‘Continue’ button to move to the next screen

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I have entered my Ballot Code, but the system tells me it is incorrect. What can I do?

Have you checked that you are using you Poll Card and then tried entering the Ballot Code again?

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I have entered my Ballot Code but the system tells me it is the wrong amount of digits. What can I do?

Have you checked that you are entering the 10 digit Ballot Code on your Poll Card and the tried entering the Ballot Code again?

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The system tells me I have already voted. I don’t think this is true. What can I do?

If the system is telling you that you have already voted, your only option is to go to your normal Polling Station to receive a tendered ballot.

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What is a tendered ballot?

A tendered ballot is a ballot provided to a voter who is recorded as having voted, but doesn’t think this is true.

This ballot, once completed, is not put into the ballot box, but is given to the Presiding Officer and placed in a separate packet.

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The system is trying to display a pop up. Is this spam?

No. This is an additional security feature enabling a voter to prove that you have been sent a real and secure ballot and to verify that the voting website is authentic rather than a spoofed website pretending to collect votes.

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Why does a pop up box appear stating WARNING SECURITY?

This is an additional security feature enabling a voter to prove that you have been sent a real and secure ballot and to verify that the voting website is authentic rather than a spoofed website pretending to collect votes.

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What is a digital signature?

Digital signatures, like written signatures, are used to provide authentication of the associated input, usually called a "message."

In cryptography, a digital signature is a type of asymmetric cryptography used to simulate the security properties of a signature in digital, rather than written, form. Digital signature schemes normally give two algorithms, one for signing which involves the user's secret or private key, and one for verifying signatures which involves the user's public key. The output of the signature process is called the "digital signature."

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How does a digital signature work?

Technically, a digital signature works through a complex combination of three algorithms:

  • A key generation algorithm G that randomly produces a "key pair" (PK, SK) for the signer. PK is the verifying key, which is to be public, and SK is the signing key, to be kept private.
  • A signing algorithm S, that, on input, a message m and a signing key SK, produces a signature.
  • Bengali
  • A signature verifying algorithm V, that, on input, a message m, a verifying key PK, and a signature, either accepts or rejects.

Signatures computed honestly should always verify i.e. V should accept (m, PK, S (m, SK)) whenever SK is the secret key related to PK, for any message m. Moreover, it should be hard for any adversary, knowing only PK, to create valid signatures.

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How do I know that the digital signature isn’t a virus?

If the Digital Signature on the ballot (applet) says Swindon Borough Council, it is authentic and has not been modified in any way including a virus.

A digital signature verifies the identity of the publisher of the ballot (applet) on the voter’s screen. In this case, the "publisher" is Swindon Borough Council. It is computationally impossible for someone to produce a fake ballot (applet) that contains a valid Swindon Borough Council signature. If a ballot (applet) is digitally signed any change in the message will invalidate the signature. Consequently, the digital signature tells the voter that the applet (ballot) is authentic and safe.

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What is an applet?

An applet is a very small and simple digitally signed software component that usually performs a narrow function in the context of another program such as a web browser. An applet has no independent use.

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What does an applet do?

Instead of the voting system controlling encryption, layout etc, which is what normally happens, applets ensure that these functions happen on the user’s end which keeps the duties of the entire system segregated in to back office (tabulation) and front office (vote casting.) Applets also allow the user to confirm that the software is performing as advertised by checking the signature on the applet.

An applet facilitates auditing by ensuring that the voting system’s larger "back office" system is separated from the smaller security module.

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Is an applet dangerous?

No. Because an applet does not install on the computer, the user is protected from a wide range of risks associated with downloading and installing software.

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What happens if I don’t want to trust the applet?

If you do not want to use an applet, you can simply click ‘no’. The pop up screen will disappear. To continue voting, you will need to click on the ‘accessible ballot’ link at the top of the screen.

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What is my PIN Number?

Your PIN Number is the 6 digit number you provided on the pre-registration form.

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What do I do if I cannot remember my PIN Number?

Your only option is to go to the Council elections office in person, with photographic ID, to be reissued your PIN.

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I have entered my Date of Birth and PIN Number and the system tells me I have entered something incorrectly. What can I do?

Please try re-entering your details, ensuring that you are entering your Date of Birth in the correct format (DDMMYY) and that you are entering your 6 digit PIN Number, chosen at registration.

Please also ensure you are entering the numbers in the correct boxes.

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How do I select a candidate?

Once you are at the ballot page, click on the box to the left of the candidate you wish to vote for. You must then click on ‘Next’ to go to a confirmation screen where you will confirm your vote.

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How do I see a candidate statement?

On the ballot page, click on ‘Candidate Statement’ by the name and party affiliation of the candidate. A pop up screen will then appear displaying the candidate statement.

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How do I exit a candidate statement?

Click ‘Exit’ on the candidate statement pop up.

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How do I spoil my ballot?

You may spoil your ballot in 2 different ways:

  • Vote for zero candidates
  • Vote for more candidates than you are entitled to.

The vote confirmation page will inform you that you are about to spoil your ballot.

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What is spoiling a ballot?

Spoiling a ballot is marking the ballot in a way that prevents it from being counted. In a traditional pen and paper election, you can spoil your ballot by writing across it or voting for more or less candidates than you are entitled to.

In the eVoting system, you can spoil your ballot by voting for zero candidates, or by voting for more candidates than you are entitled to vote for. If you do so, your vote will not be counted.

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The system is telling me I have voted for more candidates than I am entitled to. What does this mean?

In any election, you are entitled to vote for a set number of candidates. If you have selected more candidates than the amount you are entitled to, your ballot will be spoiled and not counted.

If you do not wish to spoil you ballot, you must go back and change your selections, ensuring that you do not vote for more candidates than you are entitled to.

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The system is telling me I have voted for fewer candidates than I am entitled to. What does this mean?

In any election, you are entitled to vote for a set number of candidates. If you have selected fewer candidates than the amount you are entitled to, your choices will be counted but you will not be able to return at a later time and vote for the remaining number of candidates.

However, if you have voted for zero candidates, your vote will be spoiled and will not be counted.

If you do not wish to spoil you ballot or you want to vote for more candidates, you must go back and vote for more candidates.

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What happens if I vote for fewer candidates than I am allowed?

If you have voted for fewer candidates than you are allowed to for an election, the system will tell you and ask you to confirm that this is your intention. If you confirm and cast your ballot, your votes will be recorded but you cannot re-enter the system to vote for extra candidates. If you do not confirm, you will be able to go back and select additional candidates.

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How do I go back and change my vote?

When you reach the vote confirmation page, you may go back to the ballot and change your vote by clicking on the ‘Back’ button.

Once you have clicked ‘Next Step’ on the vote confirmation page, your vote has been sent and you cannot change it.

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If I make a mistake while casting my vote what can I do?

Once you have selected your candidates you will move to a confirmation screen. At this stage, you can go back and change your vote.

Once you have confirmed this vote, you cannot change your vote.

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How do I confirm my vote?

Once you have reached the vote confirmation page and have checked that your candidates are correct, click the ‘Next Step’ button to confirm your vote.

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I left my computer for a few minutes after logging in, and when I came back and tried to vote it said “Time Out”.

For security reasons, the system will time out after a certain amount of time. You must log back in to the system to proceed.

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Can anyone else see how I voted by looking at my computer afterwards?

No. The voting application’s pages are not stored on your computer after you have voted.

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Can anyone see how I have voted during the voting period?

No. The voting data is encrypted (coded) and no one has access to this information.

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How do I know my vote has been received?

Once you have voted the system will confirm that your vote has been placed and will offer you the opportunity to create and receive a receipt. If you then try to log in again you will receive a message ‘Our record indicates that you have already voted.’

After close of polls you can use your receipt to confirm that your vote was accurately received and recorded your vote by the ERO.

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What is a receipt?

A receipt provides the voter with proof (based on a complex mathematical process) that their ballot has been received by the Electoral Officer and accurately recorded.

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How does the receipt process work?

1. After voting, the voter is given the opportunity to create a receipt by entering a Key Word (i.e. ROSEBUD) into the computer.

2.This Key Word is then scrambled and combined with the voters Date of Birth, Ballot Code and Password to create a unique receipt, which the voter can write down. (N.B. The system only uses the Key Word to create the receipt. The Key Word is never recorded separately. Only the voter knows his Key Word.)

3.The system will only be able to recreate the receipt if the correct Key Word (i.e. ROSEBUD) has been entered into a receipt checking website after the close of polls. N.B. The Key Word acts in much the same way as the final ingredient of a recipe in that the system can not ‘make’ or recreate the receipt without it. Just as an egg can not be taken back out of cake mixture, the receipt cannot be reduced to anything that identifies the voter, the Key Word or the vote.

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How do I use my receipt?

1.Once you have voted, the system will confirm that your vote has been recorded and will offer you the opportunity to create a receipt.

2.If you don’t want a receipt, you can click on ‘Finish’ to continue.

3.If you would like a receipt, you will be asked to type an easy-to-remember Key Word (i.e. ROSEBUD) into the system and then click the ‘next’ button.

4.You will then be given a ballot code and receipt code to write down, as well as the following website address: www.swindonelection.com/receipt.

5.After the count, you can go to www.swindonelection.com/receipt and enter your ballot code and the Key Word (i.e. ROSEBUD) you typed into the system.

6.You will then be asked to compare your written receipt code against a receipt code shown on the screen.

7.If your written receipt code matches the code on screen, then your vote was accurately recorded as the service can only display your original receipt if it has been given the content of your vote after it has been decrypted.

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What if I don’t want a receipt?

This is not a problem. Your ballot will be counted even if you do not wish to use the receipt system.

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What if I have a disconnection whilst waiting for my receipt?

Please call the Help Line 0800 915 9094.

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How can voters be sure their vote has been counted if there is no audit trail?

You can receive a receipt code at the end of the eVoting process, which you can use to check that your vote was recorded once the election is over (after the Count on 3 May 2007).

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Doesn’t a receipt system open the way for vote buying and intimidation?

The receipt system used by the Swindon system ensures that a voter never receives a receipt showing how he voted, just that the vote was received as submitted.

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I’ve reached the end. How do I go back to an election I haven’t voted in?

Once you have confirmed your vote and either chosen to receive a receipt or chosen to skip the receipt, you will reach a page that allows you to click ‘Return’ to visit any ballots not yet voted in.

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Can I log back in and change my vote?

No. Once you have clicked ‘Next Step’ on the vote confirmation page, your vote is recorded and cannot be changed.

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Once I have logged in do I need to complete all my votes?

No. You can log into the system as many times as you like and review the Elections and Candidates, however once you have ‘confirmed’ your vote you will not be able to return and change your vote.

If you are eligible to vote in more than one election, you can cast your ballot for one election and then return to cast a ballot for the next election at a later time during the election period.

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What happens if the system crashes – is the safety of the ballot guaranteed?

Once the voter has clicked ‘Next Step’, the vote will be recorded. Votes that have been submitted and sent to the server will be backed up in real-time, and will not be lost.

If the voter has not yet submitted his or her vote when the system has crashed, the voter must re-enter the voting system once it is back up and running or vote via another method.

^ up to questions

What happens if my Internet connectivity is lost – is the safety of the ballot guaranteed?

When the voter has clicked ‘Next Step’, the vote will be sent. If the voter accepted the applet and connectivity is lost before the Next Step button is clicked, the voter’s PC will still allow them to submit their ballot once connectivity is restored. This feature is not present in normal web surfing. Votes that have been submitted and sent to the server will be backed up in real-time, and will not be lost. If the voter chose not to accept the applet, they will have to begin again if they lost connectivity before they clicked ‘Next Step’.

^ up to questions

6. Telephone Voting

Do I have to pre-register to vote by telephone?

Yes. To vote by Internet at home you need to have pre-registered using the form sent to you by the Council. In this form, you will have entered your Date of Birth and your own, unique PIN Number. The Council then created a Ballot Code for you, which was printed on the Poll Card delivered to your house.

^ up to questions

Do I need my Date of Birth, PIN Number and Ballot Code to vote by Telephone?

Yes. You will need these three identifiers for remote electronic voting (Internet and telephone) to access the voting system. We are using these three identifiers to increase security and make sure your vote is entirely private.

^ up to questions

What is the phone number for voting?

0800 472 5000

^ up to questions

My phone has a rotary dial instead of buttons. Can I still use the service?

No. The service will only work from push-button (Touch-Tone) phones. You will have to use another phone or one of the other voting methods to cast your vote.

^ up to questions

Can I call the service from my mobile phone?

Yes. The voting service will work from a mobile phone, although some mobile operators may charge to access 0800 FreeFone numbers.

^ up to questions

I share a phone with other people. Can we all vote from the same phone?

Yes. You and the other members of your family, or household, or neighbours can vote from the same phone, but each voter must use his or her Date of Birth, unique Pin Number and Ballot Code.

^ up to questions

When I try the number, it does not work. What should I do?

Please try the number again, ensuring that you are dialling 0800 472 5000. You must also ensure that your phone is working correctly.

^ up to questions

Why do I have to press the star button?

Pressing the star button allows the system to confirm that you have a touchtone phone.

^ up to questions

The service is asking me to press the star button but my phone only has numbers. Which button should I press?

The star button is usually located to the left of the 0 button and is marked with a *. If your phone does not have a star button you will have to use another phone or use one of the other voting methods to cast your vote.

^ up to questions

I am pressing the star button but nothing is happening. What should I do?

Please try pressing the button again, ensuring that your phone is working correctly. If this does not work, please try using a different phone.

^ up to questions

I was disconnected while voting. What can I do?

If you were disconnected before you confirmed your vote you can call back and try again. If you were disconnected after you confirmed your vote, the vote will have been recorded. If you are not sure, try calling back. If your vote was recorded, the system will tell you that you have already voted.

^ up to questions

I press the button to continue (subsequent to pressing the star button in the first step) and nothing happens. What can I do?

Please try pressing the button again, ensuring that your phone is still plugged in and you still have reception.

^ up to questions

I have heard all the instructions. What do I do now?

You will need to press a button to move to the next step. The instructions will tell you which button you need to press.

^ up to questions

I have entered what I need to. What do I do now?

You may need to press a button to go to the next step. The instructions will tell you which button you need to press.

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Can I vote in other languages besides English?

Yes. This year Swindon Borough Council is making all eVoting available in the following languages:

  • English
  • Konkani
  • Bengali
  • Portuguese

^ up to questions

I want to choose to vote in ‘LANGUAGE X’. How do I do this?

After pressing the star button in the first stage, the system will ask you to choose the language you wish to vote in. You must press the button for you particular language:

  • English
  • Konkani
  • Bengali
  • Portuguese

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What is my Ballot Code?

Your Ballot Code is the 10 digit code on your Poll Card. This was generated for you when the Council received your pre-registration form.

^ up to questions

Where do I find my Ballot Code?

Your Poll Card was posted to you by Swindon Borough Council. It is sealed, like a pin number for a credit card. Your Ballot Code can be found by opening the sealed Poll Card.

^ up to questions

What do I do if I cannot find my Ballot Code?

Without your Ballot Code, you cannot vote by telephone. Instead, why not go to one of the Early Voting libraries between 26th April and 2 May, or vote electronically at any Polling Station on Election Day?

^ up to questions

I have entered my Ballot Code but the system tells me it is the wrong amount of digits. What can I do?

Please try entering the Ballot Code again, ensuring you are entering the 10 digit Ballot Code on your Poll Card.

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What is my PIN Number?

Your PIN Number is the 6 digit number you provided on the pre-registration form.

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What do I do if I cannot remember my PIN Number?

Your only option is to go to the Council elections office in person, with photographic ID, to be reissued your PIN.

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I have entered my PIN Number but the system tells me it is the wrong amount of digits. What can I do?

Your PIN Number should be the 6 digit number you provided on the pre-registration form. Make sure you don’t enter your Ballot Code instead.

^ up to questions

I have entered my Date of Birth but the system tells me it is the wrong amount of digits. What can I do?

Your Date of Birth should be 6 digits in length. Make sure you enter in the following format: DDMMYY. For example if you are born on June 7, 1955 you should enter 070655 with no spaces between the numbers.

^ up to questions

I enter my Date of Birth, PIN Number and Ballot Code, but the service says it doesn’t recognise these numbers. What can I do?

Please check the following:

  • You are entering the correct Date of Birth, Pin Number and Ballot Code
  • You have the correct Poll Card with your name on it

The system will offer to connect you through to the Help Line, or you can call the Help Line 0800 915 9094.

^ up to questions

I enter my Date of Birth, PIN Number and Ballot Code, and the service tells me that I have already voted when I don’t think I have. What should I do?

You can only vote once in an election. Once you have cast your vote, you cannot phone in again to change it. Check:

  • You are entering the correct Date of Birth, Pin Number and Ballot Code
  • You have the correct Poll Card with your name on it

If you have checked these points, your only option is to go to your normal Polling Station on Election Day and receive a tendered ballot.

^ up to questions

What is a tendered ballot?

A tendered ballot is a ballot provided to a voter who is recorded as having voted, but doesn’t think this is true.

This ballot, once completed, is not put into the ballot box, but is given to the Presiding Officer and placed in a separate packet.

^ up to questions

How do I select the candidates that I want to vote for?

Each candidate in the election has a 2 digit Candidate Code and these are printed on the back of the leaflet that came with your Poll Card. When the system asks, you need to enter the 2 digit Candidate Code of each candidate that you wish to vote for.

The system will also give you the option to hear a list of candidates and to select your candidates as you hear their names.

If you have chosen to spoil your vote by voting for more candidates than you are entitled to, or if you are voting in the Parish election, press the hash key to finish voting. This can normally be found below the 9 key on your telephone key pad.

^ up to questions

What are Candidate Codes and where can I find them?

Each candidate in the election has a 2 digit Candidate Code and these are printed on the back of the leaflet that came with your Poll Card. When the system asks, you need to enter the 2 digit Candidate Code of each candidate that you wish to vote for.

The system will also give you the option to hear a list of candidates and to select your candidates as you hear their names.

^ up to questions

What happens if I make a mistake while entering my Candidate Codes?

If you make a mistake, you can correct this when the system asks you to confirm your vote. The system will read the candidates’ names back to you for confirmation. At that point, you have the option to press “2” to change your selection.

Once you have pressed “1” to confirm you choice, you cannot change your vote.

If one of the Candidate codes that you entered was not valid, the system will inform you and give you the opportunity to enter your Candidate codes again.

^ up to questions

What happens if I press the wrong buttons and vote for the wrong person?

When you have entered your Candidate codes, the system will read the candidates’ names back to you for confirmation. At that point, you have the option to press “2” to change your selection. Once you have pressed “1” to confirm your vote, you cannot change it.

^ up to questions

How do I spoil my ballot?

You may spoil your ballot in 2 different ways:

  • Vote for zero candidates
  • Vote for more candidates than you are entitled to.

The vote confirmation instruction will inform you that you are about to spoil your ballot.

^ up to questions

What is spoiling a ballot?

Spoiling a ballot is marking the ballot in a way that prevents it from being counted. In a traditional pen and paper election, you can spoil your ballot by writing across it or voting for more or less candidates than you are entitled to.

In the eVoting system, you can spoil your ballot by voting for zero candidates, or by voting for more candidates than you are entitled to vote for. If you do so, your vote will not be counted.

^ up to questions

The system is telling me I have voted for more candidates than I am entitled to. What does this mean?

In any election, you are entitled to vote for a set number of candidates. If you have selected more candidates than the amount you are entitled to, your ballot will be spoiled and not counted.

If you do not wish to spoil you ballot, you must go back and change your selections, ensuring that you do not vote for more candidates than you are entitled to.

^ up to questions

The system is telling me I have voted for fewer candidates than I am entitled to. What does this mean?

In any election, you are entitled to vote for a set number of candidates. If you have selected fewer candidates than the amount you are entitled to, your choices will be counted but you will not be able to return at a later time and vote for the remaining number of candidates.

However, if you have voted for zero candidates, your vote will be spoiled and will not be counted.

If you do not wish to spoil you ballot or you want to vote for more candidates, you must go back and vote for more candidates.

^ up to questions

How do I confirm my vote?

When the system reads back the candidate name you have chosen, if this is correct, press 1 to confirm your vote.

^ up to questions

I am voting in the Parish election and have chosen all the candidates I want to vote for. How do I confirm my vote?

When you have selected all the candidates you wish to vote for, press the # key. This is normally found under the 9 key.

^ up to questions

Can I call back and change my vote?

No. Once you have pressed 2 after the confirmation message, your vote has been submitted and recorded. You cannot call back to change your vote.

^ up to questions

What happens if I hang up?

If you hang up after you have pressed “1” to confirm your vote, your vote will be cast and you will not be able to change it.

If you hang up before you have pressed “1” to confirm your vote, then you may call in again to vote.

^ up to questions

If I am eligible to vote in more than one election, do I need to vote in them all in one telephone call?

No. You can stay on the line to vote in more than one election if you wish to, or you can hang-up and call back later to continue voting.

^ up to questions

7. Postal Voting

Do I have to give a reason for requesting a postal vote?

A postal vote is available on demand. This request can last until further notice, for a particular election only or for a specific period only. You do not need to give a reason for asking but you must make a written application. An application form can be downloaded from www.swindon.gov.uk under E for electoral registration. Applications cannot be accepted after 5pm on the 18th April 2007 to be effective at this election.

If you already have a postal vote and you want your ballot paper to be sent to an address other than the one at which you are registered to vote, you have to tell us the reason why you want to do this. We can refuse to send your ballot paper to the address you request if we are not satisfied with the reason given. We will tell you if this is the case.

^ up to questions

What if I make a mistake and spoil my postal ballot paper?

If you make a mistake when you are voting on your postal ballot paper, you can ask for another one. To do this, you must contact the election helpline as quickly as possible as there is only a limited time in which to get a new ballot paper to you. Before you can have a replacement, all the documents that came with your original ballot (including the ballot paper itself) have to be delivered to the Returning Officer.

If you need a replacement ballot paper or any of the other documents that came with your postal vote, call the elections helpline on Swindon (01793) 463543 as quickly as possible. Replacements cannot be provided after 5.00 pm on the day of the election.

^ up to questions

What if I asked for a postal vote and it did not arrive?

If you asked for a postal vote and one does not arrive you must contact the elections helpline as quickly as possible as there is only a limited time in which to get a postal vote to you.

When you applied to vote by post, the Electoral Registration Officer would have sent you a letter to tell you that your application had been received and accepted. If you did not get a letter telling you this, then your application was probably not received by the Electoral Registration Officer.

If you think you should have received a postal vote and you haven’t received it at least four working days before election day, call the elections helpline on Swindon (01793) 463543 immediately.

^ up to questions

It’s Election Day and I haven’t posted my postal vote, what can I do?

You must post your postal vote in sufficient time so that it can be delivered by the Royal Mail to the Returning Officer by 10.00 pm on the day of the election. The Royal Mail will undertake a special sweep of the sorting office on the evening of Election Day and make a special delivery of postal votes to the Returning Officer.

You are, however, advised to post your ballot paper at least 2 days before the day of the election to give sufficient time for it to be delivered to the Returning Officer.

You can, of course, deliver it in person to the Returning Officer at the Civic Offices, Euclid Street, Swindon SN1 2JH at any time up until 10.00 pm on the day of the election. Please do not deliver to any other Swindon Borough Council office particularly on the day of the election.

You can also deliver your postal vote (not just the ballot paper but its envelope and the postal voting statement) to any polling station in the ward in which you are registered to vote on the day of the election. To find out the location of polling stations in your ward you can call the elections helpline on Swindon (01793) 463543 or go to www.myelection.co.uk/swindon and type in your house name or number and your postcode to discover the location of the polling station to which you can deliver your postal vote on the day of the election.

^ up to questions

8. Early Voting

Why are you providing early eVoting at some libraries?

An increasing number of voters, including commuters, the disabled, housebound and those without transport, find it difficult to make it to a single, designated Polling Station on Election Day.

eVoting is all about making it more accessible and secure for voters to cast their ballots. Early eVoting at libraries gives voters the chance to cast their ballots in a secure, supervised location at a time and place of their choice.

^ up to questions

Why are you allowing voters to eVote at any Polling Station?

An increasing number of voters, including commuters, the disabled, housebound and those without transport, find it difficult to make it to a single, designated Polling Station.

eVoting is all about making it more accessible and secure for voters to cast their ballots. eVoting makes it possible for voters to go to the Polling Station that is most convenient for them, rather than a pre-designated station.

^ up to questions

Why is eVoting necessary to allow voters to choose their own Polling Station?

Local elections involve a complex number of ballots, depending upon the ward in which a voter lives. Because of the number of ballots involved, it is not possible to ensure that every type of ballot is at every Polling Station. At the same time, without a real time online register, it would not be possible to prevent voters from voting at multiple Polling Stations.

^ up to questions

How Does an Online Register Prevent Duplicate Voting?

The online register immediately records that a voter has cast a ballot. If a voter votes in one Polling Station and then tries to vote in another, the online register will show that they have already cast a ballot. It would not be possible to do this without an online register that every Polling Station can access.

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9. Electronic Voting at a Polling Station

Do I need to pre-register to vote electronically at a Polling Station?

No. Pre-registration is only required for remote eVoting. Voting electronically at a Polling Station has the same authentication procedure as traditional voting. i.e. voters will be required to provide their name and address.

^ up to questions

Can I decide on the day whether I want to vote electronically?

Yes. For electronic voting at Polling Stations, you can decide on Election Day whether to do this, or to vote using pencil and paper methods. However, if you choose to vote by traditional methods you will only be able to vote at your local Polling Station.

^ up to questions

Do I need a Pin Number and Ballot Code to vote electronically at a Polling Station?

No. The authentication process at the Polling Station is the same as for voting traditionally. i.e. voters will be required to provide their name and address.

^ up to questions

How do I know the Polling Station computers haven’t been hacked or tampered with?

The laptops used at electronic Polling Stations do not use a hard drive and are not using MS Windows. They cannot be "reprogrammed" and the software they run cannot be modified in any way. The machines will not allow someone with a USB device to connect to the machine. A machine going offline is noticed by the server and an alert is raised, so rebooting a PC cannot be done undetected. All of these features ensure the machine cannot be maliciously hacked.

^ up to questions

Can anyone see how I have voted during the voting period?

No. The voting data is encrypted (coded) and no one has access to this information.

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What happens if the system fails on Election Day?

Any system has the risk that it will go down at some stage, whether due to electrical faults, denial of service attacks or other unforeseen issues. This is why it is always important to have a contingency plan in place.

Electronic Polling Stations will have back up generators in case of power outages and the election can revert to pencil and paper methods if absolutely necessary.

^ up to questions

How do I know my vote has been accepted?

You could try voting again – if your original vote was successful, you will receive a message ‘Sorry, our record indicates you have already voted.’ Alternatively, you could choose to use a receipting service that allows voters to record a voting receipt (which does not identify their or vote) and use this after the close of polls to confirm their vote was included in this process.

^ up to questions

If I make a mistake while casting my vote what can I do?

Once you have selected your candidates you will move to a confirmation screen. At this stage, you can go back and change your vote.

Once you have accepted this vote, you cannot change your vote.

^ up to questions

What happens if the online system fails while I am voting?

Once you have confirmed your vote on the last screen, the system will have stored your choice. If the system fails before you have confirmed your vote you will be able to re-enter the system and vote in the normal way.

^ up to questions

Once I have logged in do I need to complete all my votes?

No. You can log into the system as many times as you like and review the Elections and Candidates, however once you have ‘confirmed’ your vote you will not be able to return and change your vote.

If you are eligible to vote in more than one election, you can complete one and then return to complete the next at a later time of your choosing, but before the election end date and time.

^ up to questions

What if the system fails whilst waiting for my receipt?

Please call the Help Line. You can find the number on your Poll Card or by asking a member of staff.

^ up to questions

10. Proxy Voting

If I become ill in the week before polling day and cannot get to the polling station in person can I still vote?

You can apply for a proxy to vote on your behalf up to 5pm on the day of the election. However the application must be attested and signed by a medically qualified person. More information can be provided by calling the helpline on Swindon (01793) 463543 or e-mail us at elecreg@swindon.gov.uk.

^ up to questions

If I become ill on polling day and cannot get to the polling station in person, can I vote electronically instead?

You can only vote electronically at home if you pre-register by 18th April. If you have not pre-registered and find yourself unable to get to a polling station on Election Day, you can apply for a proxy to vote on your behalf. You can apply for this up to 5pm on the day of the election. However the application must be attested and signed by a medically qualified person. More information can be provided by calling the helpline on Swindon (01793) 463543 or e-mail us at elecreg@swindon.gov.uk.

^ up to questions

What is a proxy vote?

A proxy vote is used when you cannot get to the polling station and so nominate someone else to vote on your behalf. Their name will be held on a separate list at the polling station. You can vote yourself on polling day if necessary so long as you arrive at the polling station before your proxy.

^ up to questions

How do I get a proxy vote?

You need to contact the helpline on Swindon (01793) 463543 or e-mail us at elecreg@swindon.gov.uk to ask for an application form.

^ up to questions

Can anyone vote as a proxy?

They must be able to vote in the type of election concerned, but do not need to be registered as an elector. No-one can vote as proxy for more than 2 electors in the same electoral area unless they are the spouse, parent, grandparent, brother, sister, child or grandchild of the voter.

^ up to questions

The person I want to ask to vote by proxy for me cannot get to the polling station very easily. What should they do?

They can apply to cast their proxy vote by post. Your application for a proxy vote asks you to indicate whether this might be the case. If you tell us so, we will send your proxy the necessary form.

^ up to questions

11. Security

How do you ensure voter authentication?

To vote remotely using the Internet or telephone, a voter must fill out and return the pre-registration form sent to them by the Council.

This form requires the voter to provide their Date of Birth and a unique, six digit PIN Number know only to them. The voter will then be sent a Poll Card with a ten digit Ballot Code. The voter will be asked to insert these 3 identifiers at the beginning of the voting process to ensure they are entitled to vote, and have not voted already.

At the polling station, voter authentication for electronic voting will be the same as for traditional voting i.e. voters will be required to provide their name and address.

^ up to questions

How does the Voting System guard against fraud?

Swindon Borough Council is committed to making the election process more secure and accountable than ever before:

  • The electronic register of electors will be updated in real-time, so once someone has voted, either by electronic or traditional means, this will be marked on the register and they will not be able to vote again.
  • Pre-registration of a voter’s Date of Birth and secret, 6 digit PIN Number, combined with the independent distribution of a unique Ballot Code, prevents the fraudulent use of voting credentials.
  • Ballots are pre-encrypted and digitally signed, which prevents them from being modified in transit.
  • Once received at the server (the technical equivalent of the ballot box), votes are recorded on a secure management system with real time back ups. They are also written to write-once media (DVDR) along with audit logs which can not be modified or deleted.

In addition, a number of standard procedural security systems are in place to protect election servers, databases and systems infrastructure from local or remote attack.

^ up to questions

What prevents an insider from changing the results of an election?

The Swindon Borough Council voting is inherently protected against insider fraud by the fact that the code for each election is written by the larger election platform itself, not by a software developer. This design feature means that no one, not internal programmers or even election officials, has access to the program that accepts or changes votes.

Polling Station workers will be fully trained and made aware of the illegality of election fraud. Poll Stations will all have more than one election official present in order to ensure probity.

The Deputy Returning Officer and 5 independent observers will all be given part of the decryption ‘key’ to the system. (The key is a pass code). The Deputy Returning Officer will need 3 of the 5 other independent observers present to activate this key and decrypt votes. The key cannot be used without this cooperative access.

In addition, with the exception of votes cast on older computers, ballots will be encrypted on the voter’s PC via an applet, which will prevent anyone from altering the vote undetected.

^ up to questions

Why does a pop up box come stating WARNING SECURITY?

This is an additional security feature enabling a voter to prove that you have been sent a real and secure ballot and to verify that the voting website is authentic rather than a spoofed website pretending to collect votes.

^ up to questions

What is a digital signature?

Digital signatures, like written signatures, are used to provide authentication of the associated input, usually called a "message."

In cryptography, a digital signature is a type of asymmetric cryptography used to simulate the security properties of a signature in digital, rather than written, form. Digital signature schemes normally give two algorithms, one for signing which involves the user's secret or private key, and one for verifying signatures which involves the user's public key. The output of the signature process is called the "digital signature."

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How does a digital signature work?

A digital signature scheme typically consists of three algorithms:

  • A key generation algorithm G that randomly produces a "key pair" (PK, SK) for the signer. PK is the verifying key, which is to be public, and SK is the signing key, to be kept private.
  • A signing algorithm S, that, on input, a message m and a signing key SK, produces a signature σ.
  • A signature verifying algorithm V, that, on input, a message m, a verifying key PK, and a signature σ, either accepts or rejects.

Signatures computed honestly should always verify i.e. V should accept (m, PK, S (m, SK)) whenever SK is the secret key related to PK, for any message m. Moreover, it should be hard for any adversary, knowing only PK, to create valid signatures.

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What is an applet?

An applet is a very small and simple digitally signed software component that usually performs a narrow function in the context of another program such as a web browser. An applet has no independent use.

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What does an applet do?

Instead of the voting system controlling encryption, layout etc, which is what normally happens, applets ensure that these functions happen on the user’s end which keeps the duties of the entire system segregated in to back office (tabulation) and front office (vote casting.) Applets also allow the user to confirm that the software is performing as advertised by checking the signature on the applet.

An applet facilitates auditing by ensuring that the voting system’s larger "back office" system is separated from the smaller security module.

^ up to questions

Is an applet dangerous?

No. Because an applet does not install on the computer, the user is protected from a wide range of risks associated with downloading and installing software.

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What happens if I don’t want to trust the applet?

If you do not want to use an applet, you can simply click ‘no’. The pop up screen will disappear. To continue voting, you will need to click on the ‘accessible ballot’ link at the top of the screen.

^ up to questions

Is the election software available for public inspection?

The election software that is responsible for encrypting votes and transporting them to the server will be made available for public inspection once the election goes live.

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What prevents someone else from changing the results of an election?

Swindon’s e-Voting application has a range of industry-leading security features to prevent fraud:

  • A unique receipt system allows voters to confirm that their vote was received by the election office as it was cast – unaltered and unobserved
  • Digital Signatures guarantee to voters that the ballot paper has come from the Swindon Election Office
  • Open source software is fully available for anyone to audit
  • Ballots are pre-encrypted and digitally signed, which prevents them from being modified in transit. Once received at the server (the technical equivalent of the ballot box), votes are recorded on a secure management system with real time back ups. They are also written to write-once media (DVDR) along with audit logs which can not be modified or deleted.

In addition, a number of standard procedural security systems are in place to protect election servers, databases and systems infrastructure from local or remote attack.

^ up to questions

How secure is e-Voting?

When evaluating e-Voting, it’s important to consider the probability and level of risk. The ability to devise a customised application that is targeted, undetectable, and specific in purpose is so difficult that millions of financial transactions occur every day without incidents of exploiting this vulnerability in the PC.

An attack on voting systems that would seek to affect a fraudulent outcome must do so at a scale necessary to guarantee that outcome, without being detected by even one voting PC or server. Nevertheless, the larger the effect required, the greater the likelihood of detection. A detected attack can be managed by Swindon Borough Council as they control the main information channel to voters and can so advise them of any new risks via an informational alert.

^ up to questions

What security features are in place in Swindon?

Swindon’s e-Voting application has a range of industry-leading security features to prevent fraud:

  • A unique receipt system allows voters to confirm that their vote was received by the election office as it was cast – unaltered and unobserved
  • Digital Signatures guarantee to voters that the ballot paper has come from the Swindon Election Office
  • Open source software is fully available for anyone to audit
  • Ballots are pre-encrypted and digitally signed, which prevents them from being modified in transit. Once received at the server (the technical equivalent of the ballot box), votes are recorded on a secure management system with real time back ups. They are also written to write-once media (DVDR) along with audit logs which can not be modified or deleted.

In addition, a number of standard procedural security systems are in place to protect election servers, databases and systems infrastructure from local or remote attack.

^ up to questions

How does the Voting System guard against hackers?

Ballots are pre-encrypted and digitally signed, which prevents them from being modified in transit. Once received at the secure server (the technical equivalent of the ballot box), votes are recorded on a secure management system with real time back ups. They are also written to write-once media (DVDR) along with audit logs which can not be modified or deleted.

In addition to the cryptographic security system detailed above, the application also entails industry standard procedural and network security systems, including physical, access and authentication controls on the data centre and firewalls and intrusion detection systems. Remote monitors observe the live voting systems and continuously test that services are available and correct.

^ up to questions

How is the security of eVoting guaranteed on Polling Station Equipment?

In Swindon Borough Council the laptops used at electronic polling stations are thin clients with unique features to prevent a malicious attack:

  • They do not use a hard drive.
  • They do not use MS Windows.
  • They cannot be "reprogrammed" by a voter.
  • They will not allow someone with a USB device to connect to the machine.
  • The software they run can not be modified in any way as it is being provided via a write-once optical media (CDRs).
  • The disk that is used to boot the machine will be removed after the boot. (They can not be rebooted undetected as a machine that goes offline will be noticed by the server and an alert will be raised.)

    • Moreover, the "internet" between the Polling Station machines and the secure servers is a proprietary, dedicated network that is owned by Swindon Borough Council and uses encrypted links between all points.

    Within the Polling Station, a separate encrypted network is used. Over this encrypted network, there is an encrypted transport. Within this encrypted transport are transported encrypted votes.

    In other words, there is always two layers of encryption, in some places there are three layers. No one can "share" this network or download movies over it even if they are in or near a Polling Station with a wireless enabled laptop.

In addition, a number of standard procedural security systems are in place to protect election servers, databases and systems infrastructure from local or remote attack.

^ up to questions

Weren’t eVoting machines hacked in the USA?

In making sweeping assertions of this nature, it is important not to confuse the different types of eVoting system.

The above statement seems to be referring to Direct Recording and Enumeration (DRE) machines, which were featured in the US documentary ‘Hacking Democracy’ but will not be used in the UK Local Election pilots.

For the UK elections, the electronic polling station machines will be normal laptops which will not store votes, but rather send them to a server. In Swindon Borough Council the laptops used at electronic polling stations are thin clients with unique features to prevent a malicious attack:

They do not use a hard drive. They do not use MS Windows. They cannot be "reprogrammed" by a voter. The software they run can not be modified in any way as it is being provided via a write-once optical media (CDRs). The disk that is used to boot the machine will be removed after the boot. (They can not be rebooted undetected as a machine that goes offline will be noticed by the server and an alert will be raised.) They will not allow someone with a USB device to connect to the machine.

^ up to questions

What if someone releases a virus that will change votes?

As election candidates are not know until shortly before the election and potential attackers do not know what machines are going to be used by any one voter t, it is extremely difficult to launch an effective targeted virus against remote eVoting. However, when a virus is distributed on a large scale it is easily detected and fixed by security companies.

^ up to questions

What’s to stop a person from voting twice – online and at the ballot box?

The electronic register of electors will be updated in real-time, so once someone has voted, either by electronic or traditional means, this will be marked on the register and they will not be able to vote again.

^ up to questions

How do you prevent Voting fraud and multiple votes?

We use multi-level authentication, including Digital Certificates, to enhance security.

The electronic register of electors will be updated in real-time, so once someone has voted, either by electronic or traditional means, this will be marked on the register and they will not be able to vote again.

^ up to questions

How can voters be sure their vote is secret?

The process of voter authentication is separate from the actual voting process. This means that within the system, there is no connection between the voter and the vote cast.

Once a voter enters their Ballot Code number they are checked off the election register. The voting system then allows them to vote. The vote is stored in a secure database. The system cannot trace how votes were placed or who placed each vote unless required under court order.

^ up to questions

How do I know the site I am on is genuine?

The voting site address is www.swindonelection.com. Please ensure this is what you have entered. If you can't see their address bar they need to go to View > Toolbars in most browsers and check "Address Bar". Do not search for the site on search engines like Google. Please cut and paste this address, or type it in manually.

There should also be a padlock displayed on your browser. You can double-click on this padlock to see the site’s security certificate.

If you discover that the site is not authentic, please notify the Election Office on 01793 463543 or Eddie Bush at the Swindon Police Department on 01793 507 865.

^ up to questions

I received reminder emails about the election. How do I know these aren’t some kind of spam?

The only emails that should have been sent out to remind people of the elections have come from the myelection.co.uk/Swindon site and its Election Alarm Clock. The email will be sent from: noreply@electionalarmclock.co.uk.

If the reminder email is not from noreply@electionalarmclock.com, please do not follow any of the instructions in the reminder. Please notify the Election Office on 01793 463 543 or Eddie Bush at the Swindon Police Department on 01793 507 865.

^ up to questions

I received reminder texts about the election. How do I know these aren’t some kind of spam?

The only texts that should have been sent out to remind people of the elections have come from the myelection.co.uk/Swindon site and its Election Alarm Clock. The text was sent from: ‘EAC’.

If the reminder text is not from ‘Swindon Elections’, please do not follow any of the instructions in the reminder. Please notify the Election Office on 01793 463 543 or Eddie Bush at the Swindon Police Department on 01793 507 865.

^ up to questions