1.   Kolbe said the Novel move was necessary to meet budget-submission deadlines.

2.   The novel moves forward in alternating first-person voices of Ethan, Dwight and Grace.

3.   In a novel anti-fraud move, voters were allowed to stay at polling centers after they cast their ballots and watch votes being counted.

4.   In a novel anti-fraud move, voters were allowed to stay on and watch the votes being counted after polls closed.

5.   In a novel move the competition will be played in Grand Central Station, thereby opening it up to thousands of inquisitive onlookers.