§ 7-5-611 - Preparation of electronic vote tabulating devices -- Test -- Disposition of voting materials. - Arkansas Statutes

7-5-611. Preparation of electronic vote tabulating devices -- Test -- Disposition of voting materials.

(a) (1) The county board of election commissioners, with respect to all elections, shall cause the electronic vote tabulating devices used for voting to be properly programmed and tested before delivery to the election precincts.

(2) At least seven (7) days prior to the beginning of voting, the county board, with respect to all elections, shall have each electronic vote tabulating device tested to ascertain that the devices will correctly count the votes cast for all offices and on all measures.

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

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

(5) (A) The test shall be conducted by processing predetermined results from a group of ballots marked to record a predetermined number of valid votes for each candidate and on each measure for each precinct or voting location.

(B) Prior to the start of the test, a printout shall be generated to show that no votes are recorded on the electronic vote tabulating device.

(C) 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 electronic vote tabulating devices to reject such votes.

(6) If any error is detected, the cause shall be ascertained and corrected, and an errorless count shall be made before the electronic vote tabulating device or devices are certified for use in the election.

(7) Upon completion of the testing, the electronic vote tabulating devices shall be cleared of any votes cast during the test.

(8) 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.

(b) (1) Before the opening of the polls, the poll workers shall generate a printout from the electronic vote tabulating device or devices to verify that the candidates and measures are correct for the location and that no votes are recorded on the electronic vote tabulating device or devices.

(2) The poll workers shall sign and post the printout upon the wall of the polling room where it shall remain throughout the election day.

(3) The certified printout shall be filed with the election returns.