Optical Scan FAQ

FAQs
What type of voting system does Pasco County use?
Pasco County uses ES&S DS300 optical scan paper ballot system, where votes are cast by filling in ovals, similar to the lottery or standardized tests.
What is Optical Scan Voting?

An optical scan, or marksense, voting system allows a voter to record votes by making marks directly on a paper ballot in voting response locations. The ballot is then read into an optical scan reader at the polling place or early voting site, or the high-speed reader for vote by mail ballots, where the votes are accumulated.

What is the Optical Scan Voting process?
  1. Go to your polling place
  2. show your photo/signature ID
  3. Receive your paper ballot and proceed to the privacy booth
  4. Complete your paper ballot by filling in the ovals next to your selections
  5. Insert your voted ballot through the optical scanner:
  • If your ballot is marked correctly, the optical scanner will indicate your ballot was accepted, your vote was recorded, and will deposit your ballot into the locked ballot box.
  • The optical scanner only recognizes marks made inside of the ovals. If your ballot was not marked correctly (i.e. you made check marks, underlines, or circled your selections), the optical scanner may notify you that corrections may be necessary. You will be given the choice to accept the ballot as it is or have the ballot returned to you for correction.
  • If your ballot contains over votes (you mark more choices than allowed in a race) the optical scanner will notify you that corrections are necessary. If you choose to accept the ballot as it is, the over voted race will not be counted. If you choose to correct your ballot, you must notify the election worker to receive a new ballot to mark.
What happens if I want to change a vote after I have marked my ballot?
If you have incorrectly marked your ballot, you must request a new ballot from the election worker. Under Florida law, you are allowed up to two additional opportunities to receive a new ballot.
How are ballots tabulated?
Throughout Early Voting and Election Day, the ballots are read into an optical scan reader. When the polls close, vote totals are transmitted to the central tabulation site. The vote by mail ballots are tabulated on a high-speed optical ballot reader. These totals are compiled to produce official totals.
Can I cast my vote prior to Election Day?

Yes, a qualified voter may vote early in person or by voting a vote by mail ballot. To vote early, a voter may visit one of thirteen sites in various locations throughout Pasco County during the 8 to 15 day period prior to an election. For dates and times, see the Early Voting Schedule. The voter must present both picture and signature identification when voting. A Florida driver license or identification card will meet those requirements.

A vote by mail ballot may be requested for a specific election or for all elections through the next regularly scheduled general election. The request can be made in person, by mail, by telephone, or online

What provisions have been made for people with disabilities?
A ballot marking device with a touchscreen terminal is available for use at the polling place or early voting site. This device is ADA compatible and features Braille-embossed navigation buttons and an audio ballot for the visually impaired.