Florida - Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections
Program Title
Efficient Accounting for Vote-By-Mail Returns
Program Summary
To reconcile and maintain proper custody between offices and early voting sites, logging of returned vote-by-mail (VBM) ballots at the Secure Ballot Intake Stations (SBIS)?had been?done manually?by handwriting or keyboard typing information on a log sheet. While the resources and training needed for this method were low, the time consumption was high. Sarasota County VBM department staff identified an automated solution using an existing bar code on the voter certificate that saved?hours of work.?By utilizing an Excel file that contained?the barcode, the voter's name, ID number, and ballot style, a log form was created?that presented this information in an easy-to-read format.?When the barcode?is scanned?using a USB?barcode?reader, it populates the log sheet. Using the XLOOPUP function in Excel, the scanned barcode?is referenced, which returns the information from the same row in the excel data sheet.?This?allows the user to scan one barcode and instantly populate the voter name, voter id number, and ballot style onto the log sheet. Time saved in staff work hours, along with improved methods of proofing, not only streamlined the process but also provided greater efficiency.