Usability for Poll Workers: A Voting System Usability Test Protocol

In this paper, we discuss our efforts to develop a repeatable test protocol for assessing usability for poll workers--temporary election officials who ensure secure and private voting in voting places. The research described in this paper is part of a larger effort to develop a standard for voting systems. This is the first time that formal and substantial usability requirements as part of a standard for voting systems have been established in the United States. The standard includes requirements for poll worker usability and associated test methods to assess whether a system meets these requirements. The test method described in this paper sets up a protocol and pass/fail criteria for assessing the usability of voting system documentation for poll workers.