The Role of NIST in Voting Standards

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has played a crucial role in the evolution of voting technology and standards since its inception in 1901. Notably, in 1988, NIST published a significant report that highlighted the potential pitfalls associated with computerized vote tallying, particularly critiquing the use of pre-scored punch card ballots. The report by analyst Roy Saltman drew attention to accuracy issues with punch card systems, as evidenced by past elections where ballots were not properly recorded, thereby leading to a lack of voter confidence. Key recommendations included the discontinuation of these punch card systems, which foreshadowed future voting challenges observed in pivotal elections like that of 2000 between George W. Bush and Al Gore.