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Test Script Generator
A service of
CSTS
See also
ATS
Help on Limit |
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Instructions on Limit |
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The Limit entry does several things within the generator. While
it's use can improve the generated report, there are several issues that
must be considered. Thus, the recommendation is to always leave the
Limit box empty unless given explicit instruction. |
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This box may be used
for ballots that have a contest with a large number of candidates. By
imposing a limit you may decrease the total number of test
ballots, however, you will also limit the extent of the equipment
testing.
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The information that follows is a summary of the major implications of
using a limit.
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Decrease Number
of Test Ballots:
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The primary purpose of the limit is to break a long list of candidates
into two or more independent test groups. By so doing it is possible
to decrease the number of test ballots. The only way to determine how
much of an effect is produced is by trial and error. |
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One effect of applying a limit is that the total number of votes for
each candidate will no longer be different. |
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Using a limit should only be attempted when the maximum number of
candidates exceeds about twice the maximum Vote For value (not
necessarily for the same contest.) |
Decrease Number
Over-Vote Tests:
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The final ballot, which is a blank ballot, is obtained by testing the over-vote
mechanism (except for paper ballots manually generated). For a Vote
For One contest, normally each candidate is selected, the second
canceling the first, etc., and finally the last candidate is
reselected to cancel it, leaving no vote for the contest. |
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Using a limit will break contests with more candidates than the limit
into groups. Only the first group is used for this over-vote test,
thus decreasing the number of selections that must be made. However,
this also limits the extent of testing as well. |
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Limitation:
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The limit specified normally is less than (typically about half of)
the number of candidates in the contest with the most candidates.
Specifying a larger number is equivalent to leaving the limit box
blank; that is, there is no limit imposed. |
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If the limit is specified to be less than the largest Vote For value,
an error is generated and no test script will be generated. |
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Example:
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Assume the largest Vote For value is 3.
Assume the most candidates per contest is 10.
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The possible Limit values would be empty, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9.
Values of 3 or less will produce an error.
Values of 10 or more are equivalent to leaving the box empty.
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No limit gives 1 group, 23 ballots, 55 votes
cast.
Limit of 9 gives 2 groups, 20 ballots, 46 votes cast.
Limit of 8 gives 2 groups, 18 ballots, 39 votes cast.
Limit of 7 gives 2 groups, 16 ballots, 34 votes cast.
Limit of 6 gives 2 groups, 15 ballots, 31 votes cast.
Limit of 5 gives 2 groups, 15 ballots, 30 votes cast.
Limit of 4 gives 3 groups, 13 ballots, 23 votes cast.
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Help Index
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Test Script Generator (v3.1) © 2008-2010, 2014 CSTS, Dr. James A. Whitcomb
Developed for the Transylvania County Board of Elections
Provided as a free service by CSTS to all counties in North Carolina
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