§ 7-5-515 - Preparation of machines for election. - Arkansas Statutes

7-5-515. Preparation of machines for election.

(a) Immediately upon the proper certification of candidates and questions, the county board of election commissioners shall prepare the voting machines, oversee their programming, and test and adjust the voting machines for the election.

(b) In performing this function, the county board may be assisted by experts appointed or employed by the county board.

(c) (1) At least seven (7) days prior to the beginning of voting, the county board, with respect to all elections, shall have each machine tested to ascertain that the voting system will correctly count the votes cast for all offices and on all measures.

(2) Public notice of the time and place of the test shall be given at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the test by publication one (1) time in one (1) or more daily or weekly newspapers published in the town, city, or county using the machines if a newspaper is published in the town, city, or county.

(3) The test shall be open to representatives of the political parties, candidates, media, and the public.

(4) The test shall be conducted by processing a preaudited group of test ballots that are to be voted on the machines so as to record a predetermined number of valid votes for each candidate and on each measure. The test shall include for each office one (1) or more ballots which have votes in excess of the number allowed by law in order to test the ability of the machines to reject the votes.

(5) If any error is detected, the cause shall be ascertained and corrected and an errorless count shall be made before the machine is approved.

(d) After completion of the test, the ballots and programs used shall be sealed, retained, and disposed of as provided by law.

(e) After completion of the test, the county board of election commissioners shall certify the accuracy of the voting system and file the test results with the county clerk.