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Research Study Participation Cover Letter
Regis University
Project Title: A Kiosk Internet Voting System for Overseas American
Military and Civilian Personnel
Researcher: Kathleen M. Smith
Phone Number: COMM: 49-6221-5543 or DSN: 314-370-5543
Email: [email protected]
Research Advisor: Shari A. Plantz-Masters, School of Computer & Information Sciences, Information Systems Department
Phone Number: 303-458-4272
I am researching Internet voting and the feasibility of a kiosk style Internet voting system for American military and Department of Defense (DoD) civilian personnel stationed overseas. American military and DoD civilians living and working overseas currently vote using paper absentee ballots received and returned via surface mail. Due to slow mail delivery systems these individuals sometimes miss state canvassing deadlines rendering them disenfranchised during federal and state elections. With the rise of Internet use in everyday life, computer scientists are currently investigating Internet voting methods that will facilitate the voting process and increase voter participation among these men and women. One such method under consideration is kiosk Internet voting.
Kiosk Internet Voting Features
• Use of Internet voting machines at public places (shopping centers, schools, gyms, etc.)
• Voter software/machines controlled by election officials
• Voters authenticate themselves using SMART card technology such as the Common Access Card (CAC)
• Vote is transmitted over the Internet to a jurisdiction in the United States
Kiosk Internet Voting Issues
• Integrity of elections cannot be guaranteed. Internet is not a 100% secure platform; votes could be subject to interference from hackers intent on disrupting/manipulating elections
• Internet voting would require a paper record for audit trails in the event of recounts
• Internet voting needs to guarantee each voter casts only one vote
The purpose of this survey is to understand military and civilian attitudes and behavior with regard to Internet voting, and to assess the feasibility of an overseas kiosk Internet voting system for DoD personnel. I am interested in your past experiences with voting via traditional methods (i.e. receiving and sending paper absentee ballots via mail) if you should wish to share them. For example, did you receive your ballot in a timely manner to allow you to meet your stateside deadlines? I am also interested in your receptivity to the implementation of a kiosk Internet voting system, given what you now know about Internet voting risks. I am NOT interested in knowing if you voted in the last election, or who you voted for. Ultimately, I am conducting this research to fulfill the requirements for a professional thesis and completion of my Master of Science in Computer Information Technology from Regis University.
I am requesting your participation with this survey, which will consist of five short questions designed to gauge your opinions on current absentee ballot procedures and the potential for kiosk Internet voting overseas. The first four questions will present a statement that you will be asked to respond to with strongly agree, agree, neither agree or disagree, disagree or strongly disagree. The final question is open ended and strictly optional. In addition, there are demographic questions related to gender, age, and years of professional service outside the continental United States that will be used to identify trends. The survey is available online. When you click on the link provided, you are giving your consent to participate in this research study. You will have from 17 October through to midnight 30 October to complete the survey. Once you log in, you will need to complete the survey at that time. This should take no more than 10 minutes.
There is no foreseeable risk to you if you choose to participate in this study. You will not be identified to me or anyone else, nor will your answers be linked to you. Instead this survey is anonymous and confidential. The online survey program will compile your answers and your names will not appear on any reports. There will also be no consequences if you choose not to participate. However, your participation in this original research study may contribute to eventual improvement in the quality of life for those of you living and working overseas.
Thank you in advance for your participation in my research study. Should you be interested, I will be happy to share results with you. If you have any questions regarding this survey, please feel free to contact me.
Participation in this study is strictly voluntary. You may cease to participate any time you wish without consequence. That said, completion of this survey indicates your consent to participate. If you have any concerns about the research or your treatment as a participant, you may contact the Office of Academic Grants Resources, Main Hall 447, Regis University, 3333 Regis Blvd, Denver, CO 80221.
Sincerely,
Kathleen M.Smith
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| Years of Professional Service Outside the Continental United States(OCONUS) |
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| Question 1. Current absentee voting procedures adequately enable overseas DoD personnel to cast their votes in state and general elections. |
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| Question 2. I would have confidence in the results of state and general elections that included votes cast at a kiosk style voting site. |
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| Question 3. While assigned overseas, I would be more likely to vote in a state or general election at a kiosk style voting site, rather than using traditional mail-in absentee ballot methods. |
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| Question 4. If kiosk-style Internet voting at an on-post facility is an option in the 2012 Presidential Election, I will cast my vote this way. |
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| Question 5. What if any problems have you experienced with current absentee voting procedures? | | |
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