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Auditable. The ability to check a voting system to make sure it recorded the votes actually cast, as in the case of a recount. Required by federal law (HAVA).
Double bubble. Filling in the ballot bubble for your chosen candidate, then filling in the bubble for “write-in candidate,” and writing in the name of the same candidate. Nullifies your vote.
Central tabulator process. Paper ballots can be scanned in the precinct where they are cast—the method preferred by election watchdogs—or transported to a central location that tabulates multiple precincts, a cheaper option that introduces opportunities to lose or damage ballots.
Closed source code. Computer programming language (source code) that is proprietary—every manufacturer of electronic voting systems uses a distinct and secret version.
E-voting. Voting via computer, generally with a touch screen but sometimes using buttons or a dial to select candidates' names.
Election Day technician. A computer geek, usually youthful, who manages touch screens and other voting technology on Election Day.
Open source code. Computer code that is published for all to see. Advocates say this would encourage hackers to expose the flaws in voting software before it is used in elections.
Optical scanner. Computer that uses reflected light to identify marks on paper ballots. Voters pencil in “bubbles” à la standardized tests.
Overvote. Voting for more than one candidate for the same office.
Punch card system. Allows voters to mark paper ballots by punching out a tiny piece of paper called a “chad.”
Residual votes. Overvotes plus undervotes.
Source code. Computer programming language read by people (or computer scientists at least). Computers read “object code.”
Transparency. Voters believe their vote has been accurately recorded, and they trust election results and recounts.
Undervote. Partially filled-in ballot, with missing votes for some elections.
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