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eridani

(51,907 posts)
9. I understand that Oregon uses computer progams to match signatures
Sat Dec 13, 2014, 11:37 PM
Dec 2014

This has been rejected in Washington as too inaccurate. Computers are used only to assist human evaluators. There are two groups of validators, one with just basic training and the other consisting of certified handwriting recognition professionals. The first group is hired en masse before the ballot processing starts. They are given a computer copy of the envelope signature to match visually with computer copies of that voter's signature from the last six elections. I've observed this process, and mostly it's very easy to see a match in a second or two. This team is not allowed to reject ballots.

If the first team has any question whatsoever, the ballot is pulled for the second team, which validates some signatures and pulls the rest so that a signature letter can be sent out right away (along with ballots whose envelopes has missing signatures.) This is followed up by two robocalls. Returned signature sheets go through the same validation process, and most result in ballot acceptance.

Also, voters can go online to check if their signature has been validated or not.

Latest Discussions»Region Forums»Oregon»Could someone explain why...»Reply #9