The Quick Count and Election Observation

CHAPTER SIX: THE QUALITATIVE COMPONENT OF THE QUICK COUNT
88 arithmetically summing all these times and then dividing them
by the number of observations, five. Simple computational systems
operate in units of 1, 10, 100 and so on. The problem is
that the standard clock does not; there are 60 minutes in an
hour, not 10 or 100, and there are 24 hours in a day, not 10
or 100. Computing simple averages, therefore, produces a figure
that makes no sense and is actually incorrect. It is possible
of course to write an algorithm that “translates” standard clock
time into standardized units, and then translate those standardized
units back into standard time. However, that practice
is awkward, time consuming and it involves unnecessary extra
work. At the end of the day what we really need to know is:
What proportion of all polling stations opened “on time”? What
proportions were “late” or “very late?” And how many, and
which, polling stations did not open at all?
Observation Forms: An Example
How these design principles help to produce efficient, usable questions that
satisfy the usefulness, validity, reliability, measurement and efficiency tests is
illustrated in the forms presented in Figure 6-1. 2, 3
Data entry personnel
are trained not to enter
any data from callers
who do not supply the
correct code number.
The content of Form 1 covers six areas. The first part, the code and the polling
station, are identification numbers. The “code” refers to the security code number
assigned to each observer. Using such a code makes it far more difficult for
outsiders to break into the observation system, or to interfere with the observation.
Data entry personnel are trained not to enter any data from callers who
do not supply the correct code number. The code number and the polling station
number have to match those contained in the database. After the correct
codes are supplied, the reported data from Form 1 are entered into the master
database.
The first substantive question identifies the time of installation of the polling
station. The second set of questions indicate which polling station personnel
were present at the installation and whether they were the appointed officials
or substitutes. The third block of questions is a checklist for reporting the presence
or absence of required voting materials, and the fourth block collects data
on whether proper installation procedures were followed. The fifth section identifies
which party agents were present at the polling station and the final part
indicates what time voting began.
2
These forms reflect the best elements of forms used in a number of countries, most especially Peru and
Nicaragua. The original Nicaraguan forms are contained in Appendices 9A and 9B; the
Nicaraguan forms include instructions to the quick count volunteers.
3
These forms are not intended to present a definitive list of questions. They must always be adapted
somewhat to meet the conditions in each election, and there are some questions that may be considered
for inclusion in any election. For example, groups may consider placing a question at the end of
the form asking the observer whether the results at her or his assigned polling station should be
"accepted" or should be "challenged," or the observer may be asked to rate the overall process at
the polling station on a scale from one to five (with one being "excellent," two being "good” three
being "neutral," four being "bad," and five being "unacceptable").