The functioning of ballot scanners unveiled: An insider view in Loudoun County
In the lead-up to elections in Loudoun County and across Virginia, the Office of Elections is ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the election process by rigorously testing the election equipment. Before the start of early voting, 12 election machines were tested with every combination for 17 unique ballot styles specific to each precinct. This comprehensive testing process ensures that the election equipment is prepared to handle the variety of election ballots that will be cast.
The election machines in Virginia are not connected to the internet, acting as a safeguard for the election. Each machine is sealed with a tamper-evident seal that has a unique serial number, providing an additional layer of security.
The testing process is overseen by the Virginia Department of Elections, which is responsible for the certification of election machines in Virginia. A survey of this testing is submitted twice: before early voting starts and before election day.
Local election offices must choose election equipment from the state's approved vendor list. In Prince William County, the Office of Elections holds open houses to increase transparency, allowing the public to observe the testing process.
During these open houses, local election staff members run a 'test deck' of ballots through each election machine being used in the election. This ensures that the election equipment is functioning correctly and accurately.
According to Eric Olsen, director of elections in Prince William County, the election machines in Virginia are extremely accurate. Any errors found during hand counts in Virginia have required a re-count, indicating the machines are more accurate than humans in this instance.
Keech, a Virginia resident, shares this sentiment, believing the majority of people believe the election system in Virginia is secure and safe. Keech also emphasises the importance of transparency, stating that by opening the doors to the process, people will see the systems are secure and the office is willing to educate the public.
The testing process will be repeated before election day with all 140 election machines that will be used to count that day's votes. If there's any doubt as to whether the election equipment is going to function properly in the election, it is not used.
Regulated by the Virginia Department of Elections, the election machines in Virginia are regulated to maintain the highest standards of accuracy and security. The election machines in Virginia do not have hardware that allows them to connect to the internet, further safeguarding the election process.
In conclusion, the testing, regulation, and transparency of the election machines in Virginia ensure a secure, accurate, and trustworthy election process for all citizens.
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