Short definition
The voting device is the handheld unit conference participants use for electronic voting – the physical core of any TED voting system.
Detailed explanation
No TED system works without a voting device in the participants' hands. The device – usually a compact keypad with numbered buttons – captures the participant's vote and transmits it via radio or infrared to the central evaluation unit.
The devices themselves are deliberately kept simple. Few buttons, clear labeling, a sturdy housing – because they need to be intuitively usable by every participant, regardless of age or technical skill. At larger events, they're distributed before the event and collected again afterward.
Alongside classic keypads, there are now also "clickers" with displays that show participants their selection, as well as card-based systems for roll-call votes. The latter play a special role at shareholder meetings, where the link between vote and person must be traceable.
Relevance in this subject area
The voting device is the link between participant and voting system. Its reliability determines the quality of the entire voting process.
Practical example
At a party conference with 600 delegates, each participant receives a numbered voting device. After each round of voting, the system displays the result on screen – securely, quickly, and traceably.
Related terms
Voting system, TED voting system, Voting, Delegate system, Keypad