Wait Time Optimization

About the tool

The Wait Time Optimization tool calculates the total number of machines needed at each station to satisfy a target maximum voter wait time. This tool simulates a three-step voter process: checking-in with a poll pad, ballot marking using a ballot marking device, and scanning the ballot using a scanner for each voter who enters the poling location. It considers predicted hourly turnout, the maximum allowed wait time and ballot marking service time to simulate the polling location. It does not simulate human poll workers as a resource or include layout considerations. The simulation outputs optimal equipment counts at each station to satisfy the maximum wait time.

Below are assumed distributions of each voting process:

• Check-In: Normal (mean = 2, standard deviation = 1) minutes
The check-in mean is defaulted to 2 minutes and the standard deviation was 1 minute based on estimates from the November 3rd, 2020 election. If this average or standard deviation has changed based, please input the correct values into the model.
• Ballot Marking: Normal (mean = 8, standard deviation = 2) minutes
The ballot marking mean is defaulted to 8 minutes based on estimates from the November 3rd, 2020 election. If this average has changed based on the current ballot length, please input the correct mean into the model.
• Scanning: Uniform (30, 60) seconds

Tool Inputs

Arrival Time	Hourly Voters
7am - 8am	voters
8am - 9am	voters
9am - 10am	voters
10am - 11am	voters
11am - 12pm	voters
12pm - 1pm	voters
1pm - 2pm	voters
2pm - 3pm	voters
3pm - 4pm	voters
4pm - 5pm	voters
5pm - 6pm	voters
6pm - 7pm	voters

Maximum Allowed Wait Time (Minutes)

Average Check-In Time

Check-In Standard Deviation Time

Average Ballot Marking Time (Minutes)

Run Model

Results