CHAPTER THREE: ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGIES IN VOTER REGISTRATION ------36 requirements will differ if the equipment has to be transported or if it is stationary, if it relies on infrastructure (such as, electricity or networks) or if it is designed to work without infrastructure (for example, to run on batteries). Software. Electronic records that the registration equipment creates must be compatible with the voter registry database so that records can be easily and accurately transferred to the central database. Principles discussed above, under "transfer of existing records" apply here too. Testing. Direct recording equipment should be properly tested before it is deployed. Tests should be performed following the "endto-end" principle, meaning that the complete process is simulated with actual components of the system and exact copies of the software in an environment that is similar, if not exactly the same as, the type where the equipment will be utilized. A complete testing and monitoring process requires recording data of people involved in the test at the actual registration points and transferring this data to the central database. In addition, "load tests" should be performed to gain a better understanding of how the equipment deals with the expected number of transactions and whether projections of the number of processed voters are realistic. Tests should also be conducted concerning how the database responds to malfunctions and problems. Tests are performed not only to verify functionality of the equipment and the process, but also to examine usability of the system, both from the voters' and election officials' point of view. Beyond the functioning of equipment, authorities should solicit the opinions of all those involved in testing - simulated voters, officials handling equipment, supervisors and others. Monitors from political contestants and election observation groups should be allowed to provide input regarding any concerns they may have before tests are designed, review and ask questions about the testing procedures before they are conducted, witness all testing and be provided timely access to the opinions of all actors involved in the testing. It is not expected that monitors from election observation groups or political contestants will perform these tests; however, they need to be able to evaluate how the testing was performed. Testing of the