Main differences between the new Eligo Portal and the previous version

1. Access link and the concept of “Slug”

• In the new portal, each voting area has a specific link that is easy to identify thanks to the concept of a slug.
  This means that the URL of the voting area contains the name of the area, making it simple to distinguish and share the correct links, reducing the risk of access errors.
• Previously, access links to voting areas were less distinctive and not descriptive.

2. Ability to create one or more sub-areas with standard authentication

• The new system allows the creation of voting areas without Single Sign-On (SSO), enabling the management of external users directly within the portal.
• Previously, all areas were always linked to SSO authentication, with no option to configure areas with a standard authentication system.

3. Access and interface for voters

• The new portal offers a simpler access process for voters, thanks to multilingual support available at any time during voting.
  Additionally, each voting area now has its own specific link, which makes access easier and helps distinguish between different areas.
• Voters now have an improved experience, with a clear view of the electoral event and a stepper that shows the progress of the ballots to be completed, reducing the risk that a user abandons the process before completing all ballots.

4. Electoral event

• A new concept has been introduced: the electoral event, which groups together different ballots and manages their start and end dates.
  This means that all ballots within the same voting session are centrally managed, allowing the electoral list to be uploaded only once for multiple ballots.
• In the previous version, each ballot had its own separate start and end date.
• It is still possible, when needed, to independently manage the electorate and the opening/closing of individual ballots within an event.

5. Deleting events and ballots

• In the new portal, ballots or entire events can be deleted as long as they have not been validated.
  This feature was introduced in response to user requests to simplify management.
• In the previous version, deleting events or ballots was more complex and less flexible.

6. Event manager / event observer

• The new portal introduces the concepts of event manager and event observer, allowing specific roles to be assigned with visibility limited to a single event.
  This enables more granular management, especially useful when multiple people are involved in simultaneously managing different voting sessions within the same area.
• Previously, management roles were more general and could not be limited to specific events.

7. Automatic opening of ballots

• It is now possible to automatically open all ballots of an event with a single click, or according to predefined scheduled times, without requiring manual actions—simplifying management for events with multiple ballots.
• In the previous version, each ballot had to be manually opened individually.
• Automatic opening is only successful if all ballots within an event are validated.

8. Event cloning

• The new portal allows cloning an event, meaning you can duplicate an event with the same ballots and candidates but with new start and end dates.
  This is useful for recurring events or when correcting an event that has already been validated. After cloning, you only need to add the voters.
• Cloning is also possible for archived events, making it easier to re-create recurring ballots over the years.
• In the previous version, event cloning was not available.

9. Single voter upload at event level

• In the new portal, voters can be uploaded individually for each event, even before validation and before the voting period starts.
  This allows precise management of electoral lists for each ballot. The process is simplified thanks to the ability to upload lists via Excel files.
• In the previous version, uploading voters was generally less flexible and was limited to validated ballots only.

10. Data conflict management – editing first and last name

• The new portal allows editing user data (such as first and last name) even during the voting period.
  However, the username cannot be modified, so verifying its accuracy before event validation is especially important.
• In the previous version, it was not possible to edit voter data once the voting session had started, limiting conflict resolution flexibility.

11. Archiving ballots without scrutiny

• Events can now be archived without requiring scrutiny, and attendance reports can be downloaded even before the scrutiny begins.

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Features that remain the same

1. Viewing voting areas

• Users continue to see the list of voting areas they have access to. Administrators and managers will only see the areas assigned to them.

2. Creating ballots with different types

• Ballots can still be created in various types (by candidate, list, proposal), configured in the same way as the previous system.

3. Ballot preview

• It is still possible to preview the ballot dynamically, allowing managers to verify correct functioning before opening the voting session.
  The new feature allows a dynamic simulation of preference selection, making it easier to prepare informational material for voters.

4. Uploading the electorate

• Electoral lists can still be uploaded for each ballot, manually or via Excel. The process hasn’t changed, but management is now easier thanks to centralized upload features and the ability to download and reuse Excel lists from previous (even archived) events.

5. Ballot validation

• Ballot validation remains unchanged. Once a ballot is validated, voters cannot be removed in bulk or deleted. Validation is mandatory before opening.

6. Opening, suspending, and closing voting

• The process of opening, suspending, and closing voting remains the same. Administrators can control how and when to open or close ballots.

7. Reporting

• Reporting continues to provide detailed information on turnout, votes cast, and results. Reports are generated in PDF and Excel formats, with details on voters, candidates, lists, and votes. No major changes have been made in this area.

8. Removing voters

• For transparency reasons, it is still not possible to remove a voter from a validated ballot.
  Validation should be done shortly before opening to allow last-minute adjustments.

9. Turnout tracking

• Turnout continues to be displayed in real time, showing both the votes cast and those still pending.

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