AVANTE - Central Count Optical Scan Solution

“In addition to the electoral process achievements, the voting solution deployed in the Philippines represents the highest standard of election integrity and auditability in the world. The basic solution was certified for reliability by an Independent Testing Agent according to U.S. Voting Standard Guidelines and utilizes most of the innovations patented by AVANTE to solve all the potential issues of electronic voting,” Dr. Chung, CEO of AVANTE said. The ballots utilized proprietary anti-copying and counterfeit ballot prevention functions and were digitally captured for auditability.

Benefits of the credible election are starting to emerge. “Speaker Prospero Nograles yesterday asked newly re-elected Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Gov. Zaldy Ampatuan and other ARMM officials who won “clean and clear” in recent fully automated ARMM elections, to use their overwhelming mandate to bring a just and lasting peace in Mindanao.” (http://www.visayandailystar.com/2008/August/18/negor4.htm)

AVANTE’s OPTICAL-VOTE-TRAKKER® was the first optical scan solution to achieve less than 1 error in 1.5 million marks and was certified to the FEC 2002 Voting System Standards.

• This is achieved through patented quantitative pixel counting mark technology that differentiates between slightly lighter marks and slightly smeared marks.
• By using patented dimensional scaling and fiducial marking, the system recognizes natural paper expansion and shrinkage due to moisture, mechanical folding and wrinkles.

AVANTE OPTICAL-VOTE-TRAKKER® was the first optical scan solution to capture digital ballot picture images during scanning to provide electronic audits of the paper ballot counting process.

• The capturing of picture images during scanning is like taking a video of the actual ballots that have been submitted for counting. Other than precinct count applications, the system scrambles the picture image order to provide voter privacy.
• There should be complete detailed chain-of-custody management of the ballot opening and handling process before they are submitted for scanning. For checks and balances, a video recording of the complete process under public view minimizes any possible challenge to the election process.

AVANTE OPTICAL-VOTE-TRAKKER® is the only optical scan solution that uses “write-once-read-many” (WORM) CD-Rs or DVDs as its transfer and storage media eliminating doubts over data corruption.

• The same WORM type CD-R is used for loading ballot templates.

AVANTE OPTICAL-VOTE-TRAKKER® is the only optical scan solution that includes optional use of patented randomly generated paper ballot identifiers used to eliminate forged ballots and double counting.

• A unique randomly generated paper ballot identifier is generated and printed on the paper ballot in the form of a machine-readable barcode.
• The identifier is not tied to the voter registration system or any particular voter.
• The unique randomly generated number prevents any forged ballots.
• The unique ballot identifier automatically prevents any double counting.
• AVANTE OPTICAL-VOTE-TRAKKER® is the first to provide automatic rank-choice voting to facilitate instant run-off elections. Paper ballots and electronic ballots are generated at the same time within the same EMS (Election Management System) that allows voters to rank all candidates in accordance to their preference. The software automatically performs the “run-off” instantly as part of the tabulation of votes.