TGDC Meeting, July 2011

IEEE P.1622 Update

John P. WackComputer Scientist,Software and Systems Division, ITLhttp://vote.nist.gov

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TGDC Meeting, July 2011

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Outline
        - Common Data Format review
        - P.1622 overview
        - OASIS EML
        - Current status
        - UOCAVA blank ballot distribution draft standard

TGDC Meeting, July 2011

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Common Data Format (CDF)
        - An extensible markup language (XML)-based format designed around the needs of elections
        - Used to communicate between voting devices, e.g.;

To export from a VRDB to an ePollbook

To export ballot configurations from an EMS to voting devices

To export voted ballots from voting stations to the EMS

To export tabulated results from an EMS
        - Obviously, all must use the exact same CDF

A CDF would be an XML-based tag-delimited format that all devices could use.  XML because it is the standard data exchange format.

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TGDC Meeting, July 2011

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Request from EAC
        - EAC interested in interoperability:

An interoperable CDF could help automate testing, better constrain testing costs

Could open market to more manufacturers

Could expand certification model to components
        - Requested TGDC/NIST to develop CDF to assist Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) for electronic blank ballot delivery
        - Requested that TGDC reference a comprehensive CDF standard in VVSG 2.0, e.g., a private sector standard

Blank ballot delivery - so that UOCAVA voters can find their ballot, download and print it.

FVAP wants to field these systems for 2012 elections.

A reference implementation could be built.

TGDC Meeting, July 2011

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IEEE P.1622
        - Main goal: specify a standard or set of standards for a common data format for election systems
        - Revitalized in 2010 with NIST involvement, NIST now vice-chair, editor of standard, secretary
        - Sponsoring Society: IEEE Computer Society/Standards Activities Board (C/SAB)
        - OASIS EML is now basis for the new standard
        - Work underway on UOCAVA blank ballot distribution standard
        - Comprehensive standard to follow to target other aspects of elections

TGDC Meeting, July 2011

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IEEE P.1622 Membership
        - Manufacturers:

Dominion

ES&S

Hart

Oracle

Scytl

Independent software consultants
        - State, local election officials
        - Academic researchers
        - US Government (NIST, EAC, FVAP)

TGDC Meeting, July 2011

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OASIS EML
        - OASIS (Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards) EML (Election Markup Language)
        - XML-based, comprehensive, global framework
        - Has seen increasing use since previous P.1622, manufacturer support from Dominion, ES&S, Hart, Scytl, others
        - International framework, scoped to address U.S. election environment
        - Current version 7 modified extensively to support UOCAVA electronic blank ballot distribution and PEW’s VIP (Voting Information Project)

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TGDC Meeting, July 2011

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        - Work within P.1622 and OASIS, keep both aligned
        - Game plan is to produce use cases for slices of election data, following a comprehensive strategy, e.g.; 

UOCAVA blank ballot distribution

Voter registration database export

Election reporting
        - Produce two standards:

UOCAVA blank ballot distribution – built from UOCAVA use case

Comprehensive – built from remaining use cases
        - NIST may develop UML reference implementations to facilitate adoption, testing

NIST/IEEE/OASIS Strategy

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TGDC Meeting, July 2011

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Current Status
        - UOCAVA blank ballot distribution standard received unanimous approval from working group
        - Now in IEEE internal review, then out for ballot in August, 2011
        - Work beginning on next use cases:

VRDB export

Auditing and tabulation
        - Aiming for comprehensive standard in 2012

TGDC Meeting, July 2011

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        - To assist FVAP and states in distribution of electronic blank ballots to overseas voters
        - Provides a CDF for:

VRDB exports of registration info for import into ballot distribution systems (BDS)

VRDB/EMS exports of ballot data for import into BDS

Facilitates constructing ballots prior to election or dynamically by a BDS

VRDB/BDS exports for tracking ballots as required by MOVE Act

Draft Standard for Electronic Distribution of Blank Ballots

TGDC Meeting, July 2011

Discussion/Questions

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