Parallel testing is a method of testing an electronic voting unit by producing an independent set of results that can be compared against the results produced by the voting unit and is cited as a best practice by election administration and computer experts.
During parallel testing, two individuals read aloud the votes cast on a paper ballot. Two people separately record the votes cast on paper, and two people cast the votes on a touchscreen voting unit. The teams periodically check to ensure that the two hand-tallies match and that the number of ballots cast match. At the conclusion of parallel testing, the two sets of hand-tallies are compared to the results generated by the voting unit. The hand-tallies and the voting unit totals should match.
In Maryland, parallel testing is conducted two times for each election. Parallel testing is first conducted in each county during the pre-election public demonstration and also on Election Day from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
In 2004, fifty ballots were cast and counted during the pre-election parallel testing. Each pre-election parallel testing demonstrated the accuracy of the voting system - the hand-tally and the results from the voting unit matched. In Election Day, over 1,300 votes were cast during parallel testing. One unplanned test of the voting units occurred when one of the units turned off due to the fact that it was not properly plugged-in. Once the unit was plugged back in, voting resumed. The unit did not lose any votes and its tally was 100% accurate, demonstrating the ability of these voting units to maintain votes despite a power failure or other disruption. The vote totals and hand-tallies for the remaining units also matched.
This kind of testing confirms the accuracy of the voting unit in recording and tabulating votes. Given the fact that every voting unit in the State uses the exact same software, voters in Maryland can be confident that their votes are accurately counted.
This is a great opportunity for citizens who are not registered to vote, not old enough to vote or would like to simply give back to the community, to participate in Maryland's electoral process.
If you are a State employee and are interested in serving as parallel testing volunteer, please follow your normal procedures for requesting leave and email the Maryland State Board of Elections at info@elections.state.md.us
In order to become a parallel testing volunteer, you can complete the Parallel Tester Information Sheet (PDF) and fax it to 410-974-2019 or call Karen Simpson at 410-269-2875.