Simulate your in-person Election Day(s) system to make data driven decisions.
A visual election system flow simulation model is a powerful tool that enables users to explore the relationship between polling place layout and the flow of voters through the system (voter arrival, check in, ballot completion, and ballot submission).
For new users, this guide provides step-by-step instructions to create a basic simulation model, in Simio. The basic simulation model of a polling location includes electronic poll pads, paper ballots, and optical scanners.
This simulation can be used to identify potential bottleneck locations and demonstrate how a polling place will operate on Election Day(s). A basic visual simulation model and all required inputs (rate of voter arrival, check in time, ballot completion, and ballot submission) can be found below in the Visual Simulation Package. For more experienced users, additional renderings of other voting equipment can be downloaded from the SketchUp 3D Warehouse and imported into Simio.
URI VOTES uses Simio, a computer simulation modeling software, and SketchUp 3D Warehouse to create these types of visual simulation models.
URI VOTES 3D SketchUp Warehouse
Visual Simulation Package
Please note that this particular Visual Simulation Package model is a generic model based on the data that reflects the State of Rhode Island. Changes will be required in the model to accurately reflect your system.
Ongoing research is expanding these models to be more flexible in encompassing the differences in election systems nationally.
For Simio: free license and professional license.
For SketchUp: free license and professional license.
Tools get updated frequently making them flexible and accommodating to all election administrators across the United States. If you need help with a tool or questions about how it can be adapted for your voting system, please email us at urivotes@etal.uri.edu.