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After the hand-matcher has produced the MATHyyxx.XLS
files, we integrate that information back into the SAS databases.
Given that hand-matching errors and oversights are inevitable, we have
to follow a rigorously-defined process when reintegrating the
hand-matcher's results. The goal, of course, is to limit the number
of matching errors and absence of matches.
Our rules are:
- We spot-check the hand-matching for 1990 and 1984 for 20 minutes
or more.
- If in 20 minutes of spot-checking (for the whole state), we
discover greater than three precincts for which valid
matches could have been made, then we send the whole batch
of files back to a second hand-matcher for thorough review.
- If in 20 minutes of spot-checking (for the whole state), we
discover greater than 2 bad matches, we send the
whole batch of files back to a second hand-matcher, in original
condition. Once we get them back from the second hand-matcher, we
compare to the first hand-matcher's results.
- After all hand-matching is completed, we run the matf sequence
of programs. This reveals a variety of errors
(see the
final match step),
which are corrected immediately.