[Theforum] RE: VotingReqs Document

A. Erickson amanda at gawow.com
Sun Mar 17 15:30:39 CST 2002


Sent this to thesite today. I hope this works.

- amanda

> -----Original Message-----
> From: A. Erickson [mailto:amanda at gawow.com]
> Sent: Sunday, March 17, 2002 12:53 PM
> To: 'thesite at lists.evolt.org'
> Subject: VotingReqs Document
>
>
> Hello, all! I just wanted to forward this document (at end of
> this email) to thesite and see if this can be implemented. We
> basically need to get together a voting application that can
> serve a few different functions:
> 	- formal voting
> 	- polling available to all evolt members (login/pass)
> 	- polling available to any site visitor
>
> We've hashed through this document pretty thoroughly (I
> hope!) over on theforum list and the start of the document
> discussion begins here:
> http://lists.evolt.org/theforumarchive/Week-of-Mon-20020128/00
> 2969.html.
>
> I've tried to be very clear in the reqs document and cover
> the basic aspects. What I did not delve into was how logins
> or privilege levels would be used to close off polls. I'm
> hoping that you all can suss that out; it's information that
> I'm not totally privy to anyway.
>
> The levels of voting that I can see needing to be implemented
> would go something like this:
> 	- open poll available to any site visitor
> 	- poll open to all evolt members with login/pass
> 	- vote open to multiple list groups (thesite, theforum, etc.)
> 	- vote open to individual list groups only (thesite,
> theforum, admin etc.)
>
> I am not subscribed to thesite list but will try and follow
> discussion in the archives. If you have any questions for me,
> please email me at amanda at gawow.com.
>
> Thanks to Isaac, Jeff Howden, Adrian, Elfur, Matt W., Madhu,
> Rudy, Martin, Michele, Ron Luther, and Erika for help and
> participation in getting this document together.
>
> - amanda
>
>
> The VotingReqs document can be found at the evolt wiki
> http://freezope2.nipltd.net/acorn/evolt/VotingReqs or pasted below:
>
> .......................................................
>
> VotingReqs
>
> Background
> Currently the decision-making body of evolt.org has no method
> for taking an official vote which includes tracking of the
> vote, tallying results, recording the vote and notifying
> voting members of a vote in progress or its results.
>
> The current ad-hoc system of ayes and nays (or +1s) works in
> a general sense but fails when buy-in is required from a
> larger number of people on an important issue. It also fails
> in terms of tracking the vote results and progress.
>
> A more formalized system of voting has been requested and
> this document aims to produce a tool to facilitate that process.
>
> In addition, this document takes into account an informal
> polling mechanism for use with visitors or members of the
> evolt.org site.
>
>
> Definitions
> Vote: refers to the application which requires a login and
> password to participate in. A vote is formal. A vote does not
> show individual voters choices but may tally total number
> voted throughout the voting period. A vote does not reveal
> results until the closing of the vote. Even at that time,
> individual participant votes are not shown.
>
> Voting body: individuals participating in a formal vote.
>
> Poll: refers to an informal and open application. This also
> does not show individuals choices but does show a running
> tally of results that may be viewed at any time. May require
> login/pass but can be absolutely open--any visitor can participate.
>
>
> Purpose of document
> The purpose of this document is to outline the requirements
> for a voting application and polling tool to be used by
> evolt's general membership and visitors.
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------
> ------------------
>
> Requirements list
>
> Voting and Polling Application features:
> --Create a vote or poll based on login/privilege code.
> (Only those with a certain privilege code will be able to
> call a vote or poll -- may need to also specify list-specific
> voting groups.)
> --Polls and votes will have a start time and an end time
> based on GMT.
> --Notify voting body through individual emails that a vote
> has been called and give the details including day/time
> voting closes, nature of a vote and any associated details.
> --Notify voting body when 24 hours until end of vote.
> --Notify voting body when a vote has closed.
> --Tally votes after the closing of a vote and show results.
> --Does not identify individual voters and votes.
> (This allows people the anonymity to vote in an unpopular way
> as well as not be swayed by the voters before them. If
> possible, anonymity should be kept in perpetuity to all people.)
> --Allow a voter to go in and change their own vote at any
> time while the vote is still open.
> --Votes and results are archived.
> --A poll will be less formal and can be open to the general
> public. The poll will keep a running tally of results,
> viewable at any time. The poll will not reveal individuals
> voter's preferences nor will it notify voters of anything.
> --Polls and results are archived.
>
>
> Interface elements:
> --Initial screen to choose between a poll or a vote.
> --A field for summation of the subject of the vote or poll.
> (Any changes to this field after submission should, if
> possible, trigger an announcement email to the voting body.)
> --Radio boxes for creating your option(s).
> --A memo field for additional information which can be
> toggled on and off. (This could and should include URLs? to
> archive postings related to the vote at hand as well as any
> historical notations relevant to the vote.)
> Show at any time and to any voter how many people have voted
> and possible number of voters. (for example: 12/20 -12 voters
> out of a possible 20 have registered their votes)
> ......................................................./end
>
> ___________________________________
> amanda at gawow.com + http://gawow.com
>




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