Secrecy of Ballots

[Guest JB]

After a recent vote by preferential ballot to determine new hires, one member of the search committee was given copies of the ballots for the purpose of using them to create and test a software program designed to count preferential ballots. After seeing that some voters had omitted names, thus showing they felt certain candidates were unacceptable, the individual laid all of the ballots out at a meeting to illustrate what he feels is poor voting procedure. These ballots had numbers, by which the voters wrote in the candidate's names. The number of voters is 16, so it may be easy to determine which ballot belongs to who, based on handwriting. He is now claiming that everyone should have access to completed ballots in future elections. Is there anything specific in Robert's Rules about who can view ballots. I know that a ballot is usually used for the purpose of secrecy, but is there anything concrete preventing this display?

[Chris Harrison]

Only the Tellers have a right to view the ballots (since their job is to tabulate the results). However, nothing in RONR would prevent an assembly from allowing their members (or anyone for that matter) to view the ballots. If a concern is that the handwriting on the ballots could indicate who voted which way that concern should be raised in debate when the motion to allow the ballots to be viewed by everyone is pending.

[Guest Edgar]

. . . one member of the search committee was given copies of the ballots for the purpose of using them to create and test a software program designed to count preferential ballots.

You don't need real ballots to test a software program. And the only program you need, if you need one at all, is a simple spreadsheet.

After seeing that some voters had omitted names, thus showing they felt certain candidates were unacceptable, the individual laid all of the ballots out at a meeting to illustrate what he feels is poor voting procedure.

The fact that some voters chose not to vote for all open offices reflects on the candidates, not the procedure.

He is now claiming that everyone should have access to completed ballots in future elections.

His behavior strikes me as pretty suspicious.

[Guest JB]

Only the Tellers have a right to view the ballots (since their job is to tabulate the results). However, nothing in RONR would prevent an assembly from allowing their members (or anyone for that matter) to view the ballots. If a concern is that the handwriting on the ballots could indicate who voted which way that concern should be raised in debate when the motion to allow the ballots to be viewed by everyone is pending.

This is helpful. Requiring the person to make a motion to allow everyone to view the ballots might help restore a bit of order here. We've also discussed changing the format of the ballots, having all of the names typed, and boxes to write in the number ranking. The thought is that it would be harder to differentiate handwriting when you were just looking at numbers, rather than entire names being hand-written.

[Guest Edgar]

We've also discussed changing the format of the ballots, having all of the names typed, and boxes to write in the number ranking. The thought is that it would be harder to differentiate handwriting when you were just looking at numbers, rather than entire names being hand-written.

Just don't forget to allow for write-in votes.

[Gary Novosielski]

You don't need real ballots to test a software program. And the only program you need, if you need one at all, is a simple spreadsheet.

Well, having seen the math required for some methods of preferential voting, a spreadsheet might be a possibility, but it would probably go beyond "simple".

[Gary c Tesser]

The spreadsheet hasn't seen the math, GPN!