Illustration of Changes to FWAB Form

2016      ILLUSTRATION OF CHANGES TO THE FPCA AND FWAB 

UPDATING THE FEDERAL POST CARD 
APPLICATION (FPCA) AND THE FEDERAL 
WRITE‐IN ABSENTEE BALLOT (FWAB): 
FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 
FROM STAKEHOLDER RESEARCH AND 
USABILITY TESTING 
Prepared for The Council of State Governments (CSG)

December 2016

 FORSMARSHGROUP //  SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT   1 

2016      ILLUSTRATION OF CHANGES TO THE FPCA AND FWAB 

Illustration of Changes to the FPCA and FWAB

The goal of this research effort is to ensure that Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) and the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) are as
easy and effective as possible for both voters and election administrators to use. The FPCA allows eligible voters covered under the Uniformed
and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) to apply to register to vote, to request an absentee ballot and to update their contact
information with their local election office, and it is often the primary method of communication between UOCAVA voters and their election
officials. The FWAB is a write-in absentee ballot that can be used as a backup by UOCAVA voters who have not received their requested state
ballot in time to vote by the election deadline. Both forms are produced as a paper form for distribution, are available online as a PDF and can
be completed via an online assistant on the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) website. FVAP is now conducting a redesign effort in
preparation for the 2018 election cycle. The Council of State Governments (CSG) commissioned Fors Marsh Group (FMG) to conduct a
multistage usability effort to inform this redesign.
The FMG Team gathered background information about the existing forms, created several rounds
of prototype forms and conducted usability testing to make recommendations and iterative
improvements on the design of the forms. This work was done in close collaboration with
personnel from CSG and FVAP, and the final prototype forms incorporated contributions from many
policymakers, stakeholders and research participants. A five-step process was used to evaluate
the current FPCA and FWAB forms, to create new prototypes and to continue soliciting feedback
from FVAP and CSG personnel, state and local election officials, military voting officers and current
or potential UOCAVA voters. These steps were (1) to gather information from stakeholders; (2) to
create and test prototype forms; (3) to gather feedback from FVAP and stakeholders; (4) to revise
and test prototype forms; and (5) to conduct final testing and editing.
This research effort resulted in final prototype versions of the FPCA and FWAB forms. Prototype
forms were created with the goals of (1) addressing existing issues; (2) improving the overall
usability of the forms; and (3) avoiding the introduction of new sources of error or confusion. Initial
stakeholder interviews found that there were several common issues with the current versions of

the FPCA and FWAB forms. These issues prevented voters from successfully using the forms to
register to vote, to request an absentee ballot and to submit a backup ballot if they did not receive
their absentee ballot in time. The first versions of prototypes for the FPCA and FWAB forms
improved upon these issues, and later versions of the prototypes addressed FVAP’s concerns and
usability issues that were uncovered during the three rounds of usability testing. This document
gives a visual summary of changes that were made during each stage of the research process.
After completion of the usability testing process, FVAP personnel reworked the FPCA and FWAB
forms to submit them for public comment and then to the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) for approval. The FVAP versions are included in this document. They are largely consistent
with the prototype versions developed under this research effort, although minor changes were
made. It is expected that further modifications to the forms will occur as they move through the
process. The research team recommends that user testing be conducted on any future iterations
of the FPCA and FWAB to ensure that any changes that are made are conducive to voters’ ability to
successfully navigate the voting process.

 FORSMARSHGROUP //  SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT   2 

2016      ILLUSTRATION OF CHANGES TO THE FPCA AND FWAB 

1. Federal Post Card Application
Original FPCA

<
<
Contact
information
Contact information
was the most
important part of
the form for election

Directions
Instructions were
dense and
confusing. 

<
Address 
Voters often failed to
put the correct
registration address
or fill in their full
current address.

 FORSMARSHGROUP //  SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT   3 

2016      ILLUSTRATION OF CHANGES TO THE FPCA AND FWAB 

1. Federal Post Card Application
Prototype FPCA Version 1, Based on Stakeholder Feedback

<
White Space
Color, a more
descriptive title and
more white space
were added
throughout the form.

< 
Simplified
Instructions
The instructions
were simplified and
visual cues were
added. 

<
Reformatting
The address and
contact information
sections were
reformatted and
reworded. 

 FORSMARSHGROUP //  SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT   4 

2016      ILLUSTRATION OF CHANGES TO THE FPCA AND FWAB 

1. Federal Post Card Application
Prototype FPCA Version 2, Based on Round 1 Testing

<
Signature

<

The “signature” icon
was changed to a
black pen to be
consistent with the
written instructions. 

Data Elements
Data elements were
reordered to allow
voters to better
distinguish between
registration address
and current residence. 

<
Customized
Instructions
Customized
instructions for the
pre-printed paper
format were added.
Other formats will
require slight
modifications to the
instructions. 

<
State-specific
Information
State-specific
information and a
link to the Voting
Assistance Guide
were added. 

 FORSMARSHGROUP //  SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT   5 

2016      ILLUSTRATION OF CHANGES TO THE FPCA AND FWAB 

1. Federal Post Card Application
Prototype FPCA Version 3, Based on FVAP Feedback After Round 1 Testing
Wording Change
< 

Extraneous instructions were removed
from the top section. 

<
Color Cues
<
The use of color was
limited to a few red
accents, and the
light gray color was
removed throughout. 

Wording Changes
Minimal wording
changes were made
to the instructions. 

< 
Formatting Change
The formatting was
changed due to
mixed feedback on
the overseas citizen
category. 

<
Wording Change
Minimal wording
changes were made
to the instructions. 

<
Official Language
Official language
was used for the
voter declaration
statement. 

 FORSMARSHGROUP //  SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT   6 

2016      ILLUSTRATION OF CHANGES TO THE FPCA AND FWAB 

1. Federal Post Card Application
Prototype FPCA Version 4, Based on Round 2 Testing

<
Language Updated
The form segments
were restructured
and the language
was modified. The
political party field
was removed from
the section. 

<
Reorganization

<
Folding Line
The fold line was
moved to be
precisely in the
middle of the page. 

The ballot delivery
field was removed
from the section. The
contact information
was reorganized and
the language was
modified. 

<
Reorganization
Political party and
ballot delivery
method fields were
moved to this new
section. 

 FORSMARSHGROUP //  SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT   7 

2016      ILLUSTRATIO
ON OF CHAN
NGES TO THEE FPCA AND FWAB 

1. Fe
edera
al Posst Card
d App
plication
Prototyype FPCA
A Version 5, Based
d on Rou
und 3 Tessting

<
Links
The V
VAG link was
chan
nged. 

 FORSMARSSHGROUP //  SUPPLEMENT
TAL REPORT   8 

2016      ILLUSTRATION OF CHANGES TO THE FPCA AND FWAB 

1. Federal Post Card Application
Prototype FPCA Version 6, Based on FVAP Feedback

< 
<
Sections Combined

Wording Changes

Sections 1 and 2
were combined into
a single introductory
section. 

Wording and
ordering changes
were made to the
instructions. 

 FORSMARSHGROUP //  SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT   9 

2016      ILLUSTRATION OF CHANGES TO THE FPCA AND FWAB 

1. Federal Post Card Application
Prototype FPCA Created by FVAP and Submitted for Public Comment

<
Font Size
FVAP increased the
font size throughout
the form to make it
more legible. 

<
Form Layout
Adjusted layout to
ensure consistency
of formatting for
lines, text boxes, and
spacing. 

 FORSMARSHGROUP //  SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT   10 

2016      ILLUSTRATION OF CHANGES TO THE FPCA AND FWAB 

2. Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot
Original FWAB
<
Eligibility
Voters were often
unsure about the
purpose of the FWAB
and whether they
were eligible to
use it. 

<
Eligibility and
Registration
Election officials
indicated that they
were unsure whether
their voters
understood this
section. 

<
Contact
Information
Having each voter’s
up-to-date contact
information is
crucial. 

 FORSMARSHGROUP //  SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT   11 

2016      ILLUSTRATION OF CHANGES TO THE FPCA AND FWAB 

2. Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot
Original FWAB

<
Formatting

<

The printed version
of this form differs
slightly from this PDF
version—it includes a
built-in security
envelope for voters
to enclose their
ballot.

Ballot Confusion
Voters often
struggled with what
to write on the blank
ballot. 

 FORSMARSHGROUP //  SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT   12 

2016      ILLUSTRATION OF CHANGES TO THE FPCA AND FWAB 

2. Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot
Prototype FWAB Version 1, Based on Stakeholder Feedback

<
Descriptive Title

<

Color, a more
descriptive title and
more white space
were added
throughout the form. 

Visual Cues
The instructions
were simplified and
visual cues were
added. 

<
Reformatted
The address and
contact information
sections were
reformatted and
reworded. 

 FORSMARSHGROUP //  SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT   13 

2016      ILLUSTRATION OF CHANGES TO THE FPCA AND FWAB 

2. Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot
Prototype FWAB Version 1, Based on Stakeholder Feedback

<
Additional
Explanation
An explanation about
the purpose of the
backup ballot and
additional instructions
for completing it were
added. 

 FORSMARSHGROUP //  SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT   14 

2016      ILLUSTRATION OF CHANGES TO THE FPCA AND FWAB 

2. Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot
Prototype FWAB Version 2, Based on Round 1 Testing
<
Meaningful Title
The title was
changed to reflect
the purpose of the
form. 

<

<

Reformatted

Reformatted

The instructions for
the pre-printed paper
format were
customized. Other
formats will require
slight modifications
to the instructions. 

These sections were
restructured so that
the address box
does not follow the
ballot-request-mode
question. 

<
Additional
Information
Language was added
to prompt voters
from specific sates
to look at the Voting
Assistance Guide. 

 FORSMARSHGROUP //  SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT   15 

2016      ILLUSTRATION OF CHANGES TO THE FPCA AND FWAB 

2. Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot
Prototype FWAB Version 2, Based on Round 1 Testing

<

<
Reformatted
The formatting was
changed to make it
clearer as to where
to write candidate
choices. 

Clear Instructions
The instructions
were clarified and
the columns were
reformatted to make
it more obvious that
they are connected. 

<
Built-in Envelope
A built-in envelope
was added for the
pre-printed version
of the form. 

 FORSMARSHGROUP //  SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT   16 

2016      ILLUSTRATION OF CHANGES TO THE FPCA AND FWAB 

2. Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot
Prototype FWAB Version 2, Based on Round 1 Testing

<
Summary
A simple summary of
the submission
instructions was
added. 

<
Large Envelope
A large envelope was
included to submit
the form and the
ballot to the election
office. 

 FORSMARSHGROUP //  SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT   17 

2016      ILLUSTRATION OF CHANGES TO THE FPCA AND FWAB 

2. Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot
Prototype FWAB Version 3, Based on FVAP Feedback After Round 1 Testing

<
Simplify
Instructions
Extraneous
instructions were
removed and a
simpler title was
added. The use of
color was limited to a
few red accents, and
the light gray color
was removed
throughout.

<
Eligibility

<
Color Cues

The format was
changed due to
mixed feedback on
the overseas citizen
category. 

Color was added to
the ballot envelope
to clarify assembly
instructions. 

<
Official Language
Official language was
used on the voter
declaration
statement. 

 FORSMARSHGROUP //  SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT   18 

2016      ILLUSTRATION OF CHANGES TO THE FPCA AND FWAB 

2. Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot
Prototype FWAB Version 3, Based on FVAP Feedback After Round 1 Testing

<
Formatting
Changes
Minor formatting
changes were
implemented. 

< 
Color Cues
Color and
instructions were
added to identify the
envelope and
discourage writing
on the ballot
envelope. 

 FORSMARSHGROUP //  SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT   19 

2016      ILLUSTRATION OF CHANGES TO THE FPCA AND FWAB 

2. Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot
Prototype FWAB Version 3, Based on FVAP Feedback After Round 1 Testing

<
No Changes
No major changes
were made to the
large envelope. 

 FORSMARSHGROUP //  SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT   20 

2016      ILLUSTRATION OF CHANGES TO THE FPCA AND FWAB 

2. Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot
Prototype FWAB Version 4, Based on Round 2 Testing

<
Eliminate
confusion
The wording was
changed to eliminate
confusion. 

<
Grouping
The political party
field and the ballot
delivery method
were grouped
together. 

 FORSMARSHGROUP //  SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT   21 

2016      ILLUSTRATION OF CHANGES TO THE FPCA AND FWAB 

2. Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot
Prototype FWAB Version 4, Based on Round 2 Testing
<
<
Language Added
Language was added
to inform voters as to
where to find more
information about
specific candidates
and races. 

Reformatted
The ballot was
reformatted as a
self-sealing, single
page fold-over. 

 FORSMARSHGROUP //  SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT   22 

2016      ILLUSTRATION OF CHANGES TO THE FPCA AND FWAB 

2. Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot
Prototype FWAB Version 4, Based on Round 2 Testing

<
Updates
The icon was
changed and minor
changes were made
to the wording. A link
to the Voting
Assistance Guide
was added. 

 FORSMARSHGROUP //  SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT   23 

2016      ILLUSTRATIO
ON OF CHAN
NGES TO THEE FPCA AND FWAB 

2. Fe
edera
al Writte-In Absen
A
ntee B
Ballott
Prototyype FWAB
B Version
n 5, Base
ed on Rou
und 3 Te
esting

<
Visu
ual Cues
The
e pictures were
e
dated to match
h
upd
the updated
app
pearance of the
ballot. 

<
Links
VAG lin
nk was
update
ed. 

 FORSMARSH
HGROUP //  SUPPLEMENTA
AL REPORT   2
24 

2016      ILLUSTRATIO
ON OF CHAN
NGES TO THEE FPCA AND FWAB 

2. Fe
edera
al Writte-In Absen
A
ntee B
Ballott
Prototyype FWAB
B Version
n 5, Base
ed on Rou
und 3 Te
esting

<
Security
A security pattern
was added to protect
the secrec
cy of voters’
choices.

 FORSMARSH
HGROUP //  SUPPLEMENTA
AL REPORT   2
25 

2016      ILLUSTRATIO
ON OF CHAN
NGES TO THEE FPCA AND FWAB 

2. Fe
edera
al Writte-In Absen
A
ntee B
Ballott
Prototyype FWAB
B Version
n 5, Base
ed on Rou
und 3 Te
esting
<
Linkk
VAG link was
upda
ated. 

 FORSMARSH
HGROUP //  SUPPLEMENTA
AL REPORT   2
26 

2016      ILLUSTRATION OF CHANGES TO THE FPCA AND FWAB 

2. Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot
Prototype FWAB Version 6, Based on FVAP Feedback

< 

Sections Combined
Sections 1 and 2
were combined into
a single introductory
section. 

 FORSMARSHGROUP //  SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT   27 

2016      ILLUSTRATION OF CHANGES TO THE FPCA AND FWAB 

2. Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot
Prototype FWAB Version 6, Based on FVAP Feedback

< 

Instruction Move
Ballot instructions
were consolidated at
the top of the page. 

 FORSMARSHGROUP //  SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT   28 

2016      ILLUSTRATION OF CHANGES TO THE FPCA AND FWAB 

2. Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot
Prototype FWAB Version 6, Based on FVAP Feedback

 FORSMARSHGROUP //  SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT   29 

2016      ILLUSTRATION OF CHANGES TO THE FPCA AND FWAB 

2. Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot
Prototype FWAB Created by FVAP and Submitted for Public Comment

<
Font Size
FVAP increased the
font size throughout
the form. 

< 
Form Layout
Layout was adjusted
to ensure
consistency of
formatting for lines,
text boxes, and
spacing. 

 FORSMARSHGROUP //  SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT   30 

2016      ILLUSTRATION OF CHANGES TO THE FPCA AND FWAB 

2. Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot
Prototype FWAB Created by FVAP and Submitted for Public Comment

 FORSMARSHGROUP //  SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT   31 

2016      ILLUSTRATION OF CHANGES TO THE FPCA AND FWAB 

2. Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot
Prototype FWAB Created by FVAP and Submitted for Public Comment

 FORSMARSHGROUP //  SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT   32