Optio Ballot Marking Device by Unisyn: Portable, Secure, Digital-Electronic Voting Kiosk

While Unisyn has functional electronic voting kiosks, their products were self-described as ‘a bit agricultural’. The rules and requirements of voting machines in different US jurisdictions are continually changing, and Unisyn wanted to develop a next generation product that maximised flexibility and versatility to meet current and near-future requirements.Unisyn asked Outerspace to retain the features and functionality of their best products, while meeting new regulatory regulations. Optio also had to be more practical for polling volunteers to set-up, use, pack-up and transport.Importantly, Optio needed a well-considered, integrated, user-friendly design that looked more professional and inspired confidence in voters.

Redesigned from the ground up, Optio resembles a sleek, compact, ruggedised capsule.Casings are custom-moulded from tough engineering polymer, with a flush articulating aluminium base, and hinged doors that protect the user interface while doubling as privacy screens.Rather than the tablet interface angling away from the main body at set increments, the touchscreen is integrated to the body, which is infinitely angle-adjustable using a gas strut and hidden latch.All security and accessibility features have been incorporated. To meet requirements, various components like ballot printer and ballot box are compartmentalised and double secured by lock and security tags.

The impact of the newly engineered design is that it represents a totally distinctive, ownable, holistic product solution that takes the Unisyn brand to the next level.Volunteer pollsters can quickly and easily deploy dozens of Optio kiosks in a venue and adjust viewing angles for standing or sitting. Pollsters can load the appropriate ballots using the QR code scanner, and offer various accessibility options as required, instilling a sense of pride in the professionalism of product, presentation and process.Commercially, the Optio is rationalised for manufacture with top down assembly and modular sub-assemblies therefore cost-effective for production and servicing.

Integrated colour portrait touchscreenBuilt-in printerSecure, integrated ballot boxQR Code scannerCustom softwareHeadphone portSip and puff data entry accessory portAmerican with Disabilities Act (ADA) voting requirements compliance Tethered ADA compliant tactile voting keypad.USB portMulti-level lock and key security access Protective hinged doors/ privacy screensTamper-evident security tagsInfinite angle-adjust gas strut and latchRecessed carry handleStrong, weighted aluminium baseRugged, custom injection moulded casings in engineered polymerInterlocking nesting features for stackingRobust, oversized hinge featuresText to voice engine in different languages