Initially the first 5 or 6 lists that were undertaken were done in full so that all entries were entered into the working Excel file. Each list was done independently by two people to see how much discrepancy there was in terms of this method of classification. The correlation was remarkably high, to such an extent that it was felt that the transliterator of the list could be relied upon to include obviously Jewish entries. Those entries which might be Jewish, but about which the transliterator was unsure, were listed separately for further consideration by the moderator and list checker. Traditional Hebrew or Yiddish given names or Patronymics.
Many lists exist where religion and nationality are clearly indicated.
Any surname appearing on such a list and also appearing in the Voters list has been included in the database. Names which appear on the JewishGen Family Finder for a city or town are always included in the database. The percentage of Jewish entries was checked against general statistical information compiled at the time as to the Jewish population of the towns concerned. No system is fool proof. However, the Courland Research Group is confident that the Courland Voters' list project will provide useful material for further research on the history of Jewish naming patterns and the social history of the Jewish communities of Courland generally.