Two-Step Ballot Verification: Mitigating the Impact of the Hawthorne Effect on Vote-Flipping Studies

Abstract

This paper investigates the effects of the Hawthorne effect on voter behavior in ballot verification studies, specifically in the context of using ballot marking devices (BMDs) to print paper ballots. Previous studies suggested an insufficient number of voters verify the printed ballot from the BMD. This study introduces a two-step verification process aimed at reducing the Hawthorne effect’s impact, which suggests that individuals alter their behavior due to the awareness of being observed. The methodology involves direct questioning about participants’ awareness of manipulated votes and a subsequent inquiry to identify the specific contest where a vote was flipped. The findings indicate that when directly asked, a higher percentage of participants acknowledged noticing vote discrepancies, illustrating the potential influence of the Hawthorne effect in previous research methodologies. The paper recommends a vote flipping study protocol to account for the effect and to ensure the accuracy of vote flipping studies.