There is no baseline usability data for traditional voting methods, such as lever machines and paper ballots, to compare the new direct recording electronic (DRE) voting system to.
In this study, the usability of three traditional voting methods was compared. The efficiency, effectiveness, and user satisfaction of two paper-based ballots (one open-response and one bubble ballot) and one mechanical lever machine were measured.
The efficiency (time to completion of ballot) and efficacy (error rate) of the three methods did not significantly differ. However, there were significant differences in user satisfaction for the three methods. Participants reported that they were most satisfied with the bubble ballot and least satisfied with the lever machine.
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