How does the VVSG 2005 differ from previous voting system standards?
The VVSG 2005 built upon the strengths of the previous 2002 Voting Systems Standards by enhancing areas needing improvement and by adding new material. The new material adds more formalism and precision to the requirements, using constructs and language commonly used in rigorous, well-specified standards. This includes rules for determining conformance to the standard and a glossary for clarifying terms, which is very important when one considers that each voting jurisdiction may define terms differently. The new material focuses primarily on usability, accessibility, and security. The usability section includes requirements for voting system controls, displays, font sizes, lighting, and response times. It also requires voting systems to alert voters who make errors such as over-voting so as to reduce the overall number of spoiled ballots. The new section on security includes the first Federal standard for Voter Verified Paper Audit Trails (VVPAT). Many states require that their voting
