Voter Analysis Tools and Lists

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Introduction
Programming
Syntax
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Slate Card Generator
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Introduction

This Voter Analysis tool operates against a dataset of voter records in a typical csv file format. The tool sorts the data and groups it into logical rows with columns containing voter counts based on criteria in the voter data record. The analysis is driven by a descriptive language which defines the grouping of rows and the criteria for including voters counts in the various columns. The output of the analysis is downloaded to the users computer where it can be loaded into a spreadsheet application for further analysis or printing.

Using the Voter Analysis Program

1. Select one of the pre-loaded data files from the drop-down list

   All actions begin with the selection of a data file. Because the voter datafiles provided by the SOE are typically quite large, they have been pre-loaded up to the internet data server. Datafile names are composed of 4 segments.

   • Three letter code identifying the source of the dataset.
     • DOE - Department of Elections (State level)
     • SOE - Supervisor Of Elections (County level)
   • Three letter code identifying the county (e.g. LEE - Lee County, DAD - Miami_Date County)
   • The release date of the dataset formatted as yyyymmdd.
   • The type of data contained within the dataset. The type will be one of the following codes.
     • Merged
       A dataset in which voter detail (registration information) and voting history data have been combined.
     • NewVoters
       The "NewVoters" files are extracts of a corresponding "Merged". The file contains voters which have been identified as 'new' to the community. The definition of 'new' includes 1) new registrations, 2) voters who have moved and changed precincts, and 3) voters who have changed party affiliation. Also included are 'Young' voters. 'Young' voters are voters who may have pre-registered but have just turned 18 and their registration data is being released for the first time.
     • VBM
       A 'Merged' dataset with additional Vote By Mail registration data.
     • Eligible
       Data from the Lee County SOE containing registered voters but no voting history.
     • History
       Data from the Lee County SOE containing voter information on voters who have voting history. (Note: Registered voters with no history are not included in this file).

   Sample datafile names are:

   • DOE_DAD_20201208_Merged.dat
   • DOE_LEE_20200211_Merged.dat
   • DOE_LEE_20200211_NewVoters.dat

2. View Information about the file

   In order to develop a program to operate on a specific data file, certain information about the file is required. This information includes the names of the data columns and potentially the contents of critical data fields. This information can be viewed after selection of a data file.

   To view the column headers, click the button labeled 'View Column Names' under the data file selection. A list of column names will be displayed in a separate window.

   To view a list of unique contents of a column, select the desired column from the drop-down list and then click the button labeled 'View Unique Values' immediately under the drop-down list of column names. A list of unique values for that field will be presented in a separate window.

3. Run an Analysis of the data file

   The analysis is driven by a 'program'. A 'program' is descriptive language which must be written by the user (See Programming an Analysis Report). The 'program' must be uploaded to the Voter Analysis application in order to be used. To upload the program file, click on the 'Choose File' button and select the program file. Once the program file has been selected, click on the 'Submit' button. Your current window will be replaced by a progress monitor display which will allow you to monitor the status of the program. When the analysis is complete, 'Done' will appear at the bottom of the monitor window and a 'Download Analysis' link will appear.

   The progress monitor screen will display information about your request including possible error messages. If errors are detected, the program file must be corrected and the process re-started. If there are no errors detected in the program file, the analysis will begin and the progress of the analysis will be displayed. Reports typically take 20-30 seconds to complete.

   When the analysis has completed, a 'Download Analysis' link will appear. Clicking on that link will download the finished analysis to your computer. Open the file in a spreadsheet application for further analysis or printing.