Election Reminders:

General Election Ballot Requirement - Electronic voting system users are reminded that under the Electronic Voting System Promulgated Rules the number of ballots which must be printed and distributed to each precinct for the general election is equal to the number of registered voters as of the close of registration.

Post Primary Security And Retention Period - The Electronic Voting System Promulgated Rules require election officials to secure 1) voting devices and 2) ballot containers (ballot boxes, transfer cases, zipper bags or pouches) containing punch card and optical scan ballots, programs, test decks, accuracy test results, the original edit listing and any other related materials for 30 days after the certification of the primary or election.  The security period is extended if a recount is in progress, a defect in the ballot or voting equipment is being investigated, the destruction of the ballots is stayed by an order of the court, or if the Secretary of State prescribes further retention and security of the materials. 

Michigan election law requires election officials to secure voting machines and ballot boxes containing traditional paper ballots for 10 days after certification of the primary or election.  The security period prescribed for voting machines and traditional paper ballots is extended if a recount is in progress, a defect in the ballot or voting equipment is being investigated, the destruction of the ballots is stayed by an order of the court, or if the Secretary of State prescribes further retention and security of the paper ballots or voting machines.

The Board of State Canvassers certified the results of the August 3, 2004 primary on August 23rd.  This action started the clock on the thirty-day retention period.  In addition, state authority recounts may be petitioned for during the 48 hours immediately following state certification. 

During the ballot retention and security periods specified under Michigan election law and Electronic Voting System Rules, local election officials must ensure that the seal of record used to secure the equipment and containers listed above remain intact.  The seals may be broken only after security is released by proper authority or during the course of a recount conducted under proper authority.  Local recounts may not begin until written authorization to proceed is received from this office.

Please direct any questions that you may have regarding this communication to the Bureau of Elections at 1-800-292-5973.