Equipment for November’s election is operating as it should, according to Logic and Accuracy testing at Monroe County Election Central on Friday.
The County Election supervisor and contractor B&L IT Services scanned test ballots to ensure accurate counting of votes.
Early voting starts October 8.
County Election Supervisor Kylie Farris said it’s an important exercise. The scanners recognize when nothing is marked for a race on a ballot– an under count. They also flag instances of multiple marks on a ballot for one race– an over count.
Farris said overcounts can happen if a voter accidentally selects one candidate, crosses it out, and then selects who they meant to vote for– all on the same ballot.
In tests today, scanners recognized such errors.
Farris said it’s preferable that a voter ask for a new ballot if they make a mistake.
Friday was not the first test run on the machines, according to Bob White with B&L IT Services. Two other tests were conducted. Today’s third and final test was open to the public.
The day before elections, B&L IT installs scanners at all voting sites in the county. White said a few quick tests are done as the machines are installed to make sure they’re accurate.
The election is November 5.
