Terms of Use of the eVotUM System

The eVotUM electronic voting system («eVotUM system»), is provided by the University of Minho («UM»), with headquarters in Largo do Paço, 4704-553 Braga, Portugal.

By using the eVotUM system, you accept these terms of use. Please read them carefully.

Using the eVotUM electronic voting system

Do not abuse the eVotUM system. For example, do not interfere with the system, or try to access it through methods other than the interface and instructions provided. You can use the eVotUM system only in accordance with the law, including the applicable electoral regulations. UM can suspend or stop providing the eVotUM system to the user, in case he does not comply with the terms or policies of use or if we are investigating a possible improper conduct.

The use of the eVotUM system does not grant the user any intellectual property rights over it or over the content accessed. You may not use content from the eVotUM system, except upon authorisation of UM or in circumstances permitted by law. These terms of use do not grant the right to use any of the trademarks or logos used in the eVotUM system. The user shall not remove, obscure, or alter any legal notices displayed on the eVotUM system or provided with it.

Restricted access to the electronic voting system

To vote electronically via the restricted access to the eVotUM system, it is necessary to be a voter in the voting process and have credentials to access UM’s systems. The credentials to access UM’s systems, used in the eVotUM system, are assigned by UM’s Technology and Information Systems Department, and additional terms of use may apply to them.

To protect your access credentials, keep your password confidential. You are responsible for the activity performed on the eVotUM system, using your access credentials.

Voting

All the voting processes are governed by the respective electoral rules, subject to the provisions of Law no. 67/98 of the 26th of October - Personal Data Protection Law (that transposed into Portuguese law the Directive 95/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of the 24th of October 1995, on the protection of individuals regarding the processing of personal data and the free movement of such data).

UM ensures that the computer system and software used for electronic voting in the eVotUM system, are properly ring-fenced, reliable, auditable and transparent, guaranteeing the uniqueness and universality of the votes, as well as their confidentiality, integrity and anonymity, ensuring the authenticity of the voter.

Rules for the use of the eVotUM System

Electoral Rolls

• Once the electoral calendar is established and published, each voter should consult the provisional electoral rolls that were previously provided by the Electoral Commission on the electronic voting system.
• Within the time limit specified in the electoral rules, the interested parties may lodge a claim, through the electronic voting system, about the content of the provisional electronic electoral rolls, based on omission or improper entry.  
• Claims are decided, within the time limit specified in the electoral rules, by the Electoral Commission.  
• After the claims are decided, or in case there aren’t any, on expiry of the deadline set for this purpose, the final electronic electoral rolls are organised and published.

Ballot

• The ballot is prepared by the Electoral Commission. It may be consulted in the electronic voting system and it is only possible to use it during the voting period.

Voting

• During the voting period, the voter must identify himself using the authentication credentials used to access UM’s Intranet.
• The voting system verifies that the person who wishes to vote is a validly registered voter.
• After the accreditation, each voter may select the election(s) on which he wishes to vote on. 
• Once the election referred to in the previous paragraph is selected, each voter must choose the list/name he wishes to elect.
• Prior to the following step, the system will present the voter, for confirmation, the list/name chosen. In case the voter has chosen not to vote on any list/name, he will be informed that this option will be counted as a blank vote.
• Once validated, the voter must click “Votar” (Vote) - at this stage, and reinforcing the guarantees of authentication, the system will ask for a new accreditation which, as previously expressed by each voter, may be one of three: digital mobile key, SMS or e-mail. 
• Up to this moment, at the option of the voter, the voting process can be cancelled.
• The voting process is concluded when a reference is displayed on the screen (also sent by e-mail).
• The reference mentioned in the previous paragraph allows each voter to confirm, at the end of the voting process, that his vote was counted.

Cryptographic Keys

• The vote is ciphered using the asymmetric encryption method and is automatically archived on the electronic voting platform, and its complete confidentiality and integrity are guaranteed.

About these Terms of Use

UM may amend these terms of use or any additional terms of use that apply, for example, to reflect changes to the law or to the eVotUM system. The user should refer to the terms of use regularly.
Notices on the amendment of these terms of use will be published on this page. The amendments will not apply retroactively and will not enter into force for a period less than thirty days after their publication. However, amendments relating to new features or amendments made for legal reasons will immediately enter into force. If the user does not accept the amended terms of use, he should stop using the eVotUM system.

In the event of a conflict between these terms of use and the additional terms of use, the latter shall prevail over the former.

These terms of use govern the relationship between UM and the user in relation to the eVotUM system, not creating any rights to third parties.

If the user fails to comply with these terms of use and UM does not take immediate action, this does not imply any renunciation on the part of UM of any of its rights (such as, for example, to take action in the future).

Should it emerge that a particular term of use is not feasible, this shall not affect the remainder of these terms.

To settle any dispute arising out of or in relation to these terms of use or to the eVotUM system, the laws of Portugal shall apply, with the exception of rules on the conflict of laws. All claims arising out of or in relation to these terms of use or to the eVotUM system, shall be resolved exclusively in Portuguese courts, and the user and UM accept the personal jurisdiction of such courts.

Visit our contact page for more information on how to contact UM regarding the eVotUM system.