How technology is used in relation to paper voter lists?
Moldova, Republic of
“This was the third election in which the CEC employed the State Automated Information System “Elections” (SAISE), an online voter verification system. The system ensures that prior to receiving a ballot, each potential voter at any polling station can be checked against a nationwide database to determine if s/he had already voted. The SAISE was available at all polling stations and provided a safeguard against multiple voting. In addition, the SAISE served as a tool for prompt tabulation and the announcement of preliminary results. The system, with very few exceptions, was fully functional, contributing considerably to the integrity of the process and enhancing trust. […]
The SAISE functioned effectively in almost all polling stations observed, although there were 12 cases where the Internet connection or software problems were encountered. Independent access for persons with disabilities to the voting premises was not ensured in 65 per cent of observations, while in 27 per cent of polling stations observed, the layout was unsuitable for such voters. […]
IEOM observers noted that procedures for ensuring that all voters were checked in the SAISE system before signing voters’ list and receiving a ballot varied. Some PEBs employed a system by which each voter received a stamped and signed piece of paper from the SAISE operator to indicate that his or her name had been checked in the system and then gave this paper to the PEB member before receiving a ballot. In other polling stations, while voters were directed to the SAISE operator before signing the voters list and receiving a ballot, there was no such paper trail. While these PEBs generally appeared diligent in managing voters to be verified via the SAISE, in some cases, the absence of formal control mechanisms could create a real or perceived opportunity for voters to bypass the SAISE system.”
