TPA has approximately 185 elections throughout the year. The method of voting and counting for each contest is the same: single preference (i.e. select one of the candidates), first past the post. Voting is anonymous (voter names are not recorded on ballots).
The system developed by Software Improvements for TPA (eVACS-TPA) is a customisation of Software Improvements' eVACS® Internet voting system. eVACS-TPA allows for basic elector roll management, contest creation, the candidate nomination process, electronic casting of votes, and electronic counting and reporting of results.
| Feature |
Benefit |
| Call for nominations |
Emails can be sent to eligible members requesting registration as a candidate. eVACS-TPA also allows for on-line endorsement by another member of a candidate's nomination.
|
| Creating an election |
An election can be created electronically, and voters can commence voting, in a matter of minutes from the time an election is announced. |
| Ballots |
Ballots are created and stored electronically. the costs associated with designing and printing ballots disappear. |
| Postage |
The time and costs associated with postage are no longer applicable. |
| Tallying of votes |
Votes are tallied electronically. Sorting and grouping through returned ballots is no longer required. |
| Counting |
Accurate electronic counting of votes occurs within seconds of the close of polls. |
| Result reporting |
Results can be posted on a Website as soon as the count is complete. |
| Interim reporting |
A daily report of the number of members who have voted (but not details of their vote) can be generated. |
