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Appendix A Comparison: Hand-Counting vs. Machine Tabulation Factor Hand-Counting Ballots Machine Tabulation Accuracy Prone to human error High accuracy with audits Speed Very slow Rapid, scalable Transparency Depends on process Standardized, auditable Cost High labor costs Lower long-term costs Best Use Case Audits, Recounts Large-scale elections APPENDIX B FLOW-CHART STYLE EXPLANATION DS200 Closing, Transport, Tabulation, and Reporting Process Step 1 – Pre-Election Security → DS200 tabulators are secured with tamper-evident seals prior to deployment. Step 2 – Polls Close (7:00 p.m.) → Presiding Judge formally closes the Voting Center. → Closing procedures are initiated. Step 3 – Removal of Tabulation Materials → Presiding Judge removes: • Encrypted removable media (jump drive) • DS200 results tapes → Items are placed into a sealed transport bag. Step 4 – Law-Enforcement Escort → Presiding Judge is escorted by the Virgin Islands Police Department to the Elections Office. → Chain of custody is maintained throughout transport. Step 5 – Public Opening of Sealed Materials → In the Elections Conference Room, the sealed bag is opened by the Presiding Judge. → This occurs in full view of: • Board of Elections members • Election staff • Candidates • Media • Members of the public Step 6 – Transfer for Tabulation → Presiding Judge hands the encrypted media to the Deputy Supervisor of Elections. → Media is then passed to the Voting Technician. Step 7 – Tabulation → Encrypted media is inserted into the Electionware tabulation system. → Results are tabulated and reports are generated. Step 8 – Secure Data Transmission → Encrypted data is transmitted via secure cloud connection to St. Croix. → Data is downloaded to a secure computer. Step 9 – Review and Release → Results are reviewed by election staff and the Board of Elections. → Once verified, results are released to: • Elections System website • Media • Public Outcome: → Transparent, secure, auditable, and publicly observable tabulation and reporting process. Appendix C Scalable vs. Non-Scalable Election Systems Factor Scalable System (Electronic Tabulation + Audits) Non-Scalable System (Hand Counting) Ability to Handle High Turnout Processes large volumes of ballots efficiently with no loss of accuracy Time and staffing needs increase dramatically as turnout grows Multiple Contests on One Ballot Counts all contests simultaneously using uniform standards Requires separate tallies for each contest, multiplying time and error risk Consistency Across Precincts Applies the same counting rules statewide Results depend on individual counters, teams, and local practices Speed of Results Delivers timely unofficial results on election night Results are delayed hours or days, especially in close or complex races Staffing Requirements Stable and predictable staffing levels Requires large numbers of workers, supervisors, and observers Fatigue and Human Error Minimizes human involvement in repetitive counting tasks Highly susceptible to fatigue, miscounts, and arithmetic errors Cost Control Lower per-ballot cost and efficient use of resources Costs increase rapidly with overtime, staffing, and security needs Chain of Custody Ballots are scanned once and secured with limited handling Ballots are repeatedly handled, increasing risk of loss or dispute Audit Capability Built-in post-election audits verify accuracy Full recounts often required to confirm results Legal Defensibility Auditable, documented, and aligned with best practices Greater exposure to challenges due to inconsistency and delay Adaptability to Growth Easily scales for larger elections and future demands Becomes impractical as elections grow in size or complexity