By Fabiola Diaz
In 2020, Los Angeles County will introduce its new voting system, the Voting Solutions for All People (VSAP), which has been designed just for L.A. County voters. VSAP incorporates new vote centers, machines, an interactive sample ballot, and an electronic pollbook.
Instead of traditional polling locations, voters can visit any vote center located in the county over an 11-day period.
The county is also replacing outdated, often malfunctioning, machines, with the Ballot Marking Device (BMD). Voters can access 13 languages, adjust the touch screen to a comfortable angle, change the display settings (including text sizes and contrast), or go through the ballot utilizing the audio headset and control pad (making the device more accessible for people with mobile and visual challenges), according to LA Vote. To address security concerns, the device will not be connected to a network or the internet, and will require a paper ballot which will have a human-readable summary of selections. Voters will also be asked to review their ballots twice before submitting.
The Interactive Sample Ballot (ISB) allows voters to review their ballot information and make selections prior to visiting a vote center (you must still visit a physical location to cast your vote and these selections are only stored on your phone). After making their selections, the ISB crease a QR code which voters can scan to transfer their selections to the BMD. Voters will still be able to review their selections and make changes before casting their vote.
The Electronic Pollbook (ePollbook) will replace printed voter lists which will be used by vote center staff to verify registration eligibility and prevent individuals from casting a vote twice. The ePollbook is not connected to the BMD or the tally system to protect voters’ personal information.
The Monrovia City Clerk’s Office has partnered with the L.A. County Registrar’s Office to allow Monrovians the opportunity to test use the BMD before the 2020 election pilot program launches in March. To use the machines visit the Monrovia Public Library every Saturday in October from noon to 5 p.m. or City Hall every Monday through Thursday in October from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. A county representative will be present to answer any questions and offer demonstrations.
For more information on vote centers and voting changes, visit vsap.lavote.net.
