Department of Computer Science Colloquium Series 2022-2023
The Voting System Technical Oversight Program's (VSTOP) Role in Technology and Cybersecurity for the State of Indiana:
A Perspective of Indiana Legislation and Election Administration
The Voting System Technical Oversight Program at Ball State University
Abstract: The Voting System Technical Oversight Program (VSTOP) at Ball State University began at Ball State University about 15 years ago and is currently directed by Dr. Jay Bagga from the Department of Computer Science and Dr. Chad Kinsella from the Department of Political Science. The VSTOP team advises the Indiana Secretary of State and the Indiana Election Commission on the certification of voting machines and electronic poll books in the State of Indiana. VSTOP helped pioneer first-in-the-nation legislation authorizing the certification and testing of electronic poll books before they are permitted to be used in elections in Indiana. VSTOP’s Certificate Program in Election Administration, Technology, and Security (CEATS) also received national recognition from the United States Election Assistance Commission by being named a 2021 Clearinghouse Award winner for the category of “Outstanding Innovations in Elections.” The VSTOP Team also developed and continues to maintain a database containing all election equipment utilized in the State of Indiana and prepares reports on best practices and innovations for Indiana election administration.
During this presentation, the VSTOP Team aims to provide a brief overview of VSTOP's current contracted activities with the Indiana Secretary of State, with a high-level review of activities pertaining to elections technology and cybersecurity. VSTOP will review how Indiana legislation dictates requirements for database development and maintenance, and will demonstrate what these databases entail. The goal of this presentation is to encourage students in the Computer Science Department and others to consider a role with VSTOP or Indiana Elections in their career aspirations.
VSTOP Team Members
Dr. Jay Bagga, VSTOP Co-Director and Professor of Computer Science
Dr. Chad Kinsella, VSTOP Co-Director, Bowen Center Managing Director, and Associate Professor of Political Science
Liz Beatrice, VSTOP Program Manager
Marc Chatot, VSTOP Election Systems Certification Specialist
Duncan Klemm, VSTOP IT Specialist
Rachael Alaniz, VSTOP Project Specialist
Lisa Gray, VSTOP Graduate Assistant
Ethan Rice, VSTOP Graduate Assistant
To learn more about the VSTOP Team, please visit https://bowencenterforpublicaffairs.org/about-the-bowen-center/who-we-are/staff.
Wednesday, October 26, 2022, 3:00 PM, RB 104
Light refreshments will be served in RB460