The process of registering voters and producing voter registration outputs is one of the most significant and time-consuming activities carried out by election management bodies (EMBs). Many different types of technology have potential applications for voter registration purposes. They include:
- Database software, particularly for storing and manipulating data
- Geographic information systems (GISs), which can be used for assigning voters to geographic locations and for ensuring quality and integrity of voter data
- Various types of data input technologies, including key entry, scanning, data matching and interactive direct entry by voters using internet, computer kiosks, touchscreens, swipecards, television and telephone
- Identification technology, such as signature imaging and recognition, electronic signatures, encryption techniques, photography, bio-identification and voice recognition
- Identity cards, including photographic cards, smart cards, magnetic strips and bar codes
- Networked computer systems
- Data output products, such as printed copies of rolls, CD-ROMS, magnetic tapes, electronic files and internet products
The following topics in this section cover various aspects of using technology for voter registration.
