A DRE system presents a ballot image to a voter, collects the voter's choices, and records those choices directly onto electronic media. DREs may be fitted with VVPAT subsystems to create a paper artifact of the voting transaction. DREs are capable of audio interaction and image displays, and can hold a large number of ballot styles in multiple languages.
What does DRE mean?
The term Direct-Recording Electronic Voting System (DRE) refers to a Direct-Recording Electronic voting system that presents choices electronically and records voter selections directly in electronic storage. It gives election, security, legal, or technical readers a specific label for the concept rather than a broader everyday meaning.
How does Direct-Recording electronic voting system (DRE) work in a voting system?
In practice, Direct-Recording Electronic Voting System (DRE) is applied to the technical or security purpose captured by its definition: a Direct-Recording Electronic voting system that presents choices electronically and records voter selections directly in electronic storage. Organizations combine that function with documented procedures, authorized access, testing, monitoring, and controls appropriate to the system.
Why does Direct-Recording electronic voting system (DRE) matter for election verification?
Understanding Direct-Recording Electronic Voting System (DRE) matters because the concept can affect security, reliability, auditability, or trusted operation. In this glossary context, it refers to a Direct-Recording Electronic voting system that presents choices electronically and records voter selections directly in electronic storage.
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High consensus
A DRE system presents a ballot image to a voter, collects the voter's choices, and records those choices directly onto electronic media. DREs may be fitted with VVPAT subsystems to create a paper artifact of the voting transaction. DREs are capable of audio interaction and image displays, and can hold a large number of ballot styles in multiple languages.
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Direct Record Electronic Voting System (dre). In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 20, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/direct-record-electronic-voting-system-dre
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