AutoMARK Reminders: As we prepare for the May 6, 2008 elections, we would like to take this opportunity to remind you of a number of important procedural and technical issues related to the use of the AutoMARK Voter Assist Terminals.

• Removal of Ballot Stub - Please remind your election inspectors that when issuing a ballot to a voter who has opted to mark his or her ballot using the AutoMARK terminal, the ballot stub must be removed when the ballot is issued.  Failure to remove the ballot stub prior to inserting the ballot into the terminal may cause the ballot to jam.

• Ballot Secrecy - Michigan law requires that all ballots be marked and voted in secret.  Therefore, the terminal must be positioned in the voting area with the front turned away from voters, inspectors, challengers and others in the polling place.  In addition, the privacy hood provided with each terminal must be used.

• Voters Requesting Assistance - If a voter requests assistance in voting his or her ballot, the voter must be offered the opportunity to mark the ballot without assistance using the AutoMARK terminal.  If the voter declines and requests that he or she be allowed to vote the ballot with assistance, follow the usual procedure.

• Voters Requesting to Use the AutoMARK - If a voter requests that he or she be allowed to use the AutoMARK terminal to mark the ballot, the request should be immediately granted.  The terminal may be used by anyone upon request.  Voters should never be discouraged from using this equipment or asked why they want to use the equipment.  In addition, election inspectors should never document the names of individuals who opt to use the AutoMark terminal.

• Sequoia Optech Users - Please ensure that all terminals are set to read "arrow" style ballots.  In some cases, a review of the error messages downloaded from flashcards from the previous election show that the equipment is set to read "oval" style ballots.  Failing to set the equipment to read "arrow" style ballots makes it impossible for the terminals to accept ballots during preliminary testing and on Election Day.  Complete the following steps to prepare the terminal to accept and read arrow style (Optech) ballots:

  1. Insert switch mode key - turn to Test position

  2. Select System Maintenance

  3. Enter Password

  4. Select OK

  5. In System Maintenance, select Ballot Type Selection

  6. Select Enable for Optech Ballots

  7. Select Done

• Equipment Failures - Please report all equipment failures to ES&S Support as soon as possible.  Problems discovered during preliminary accuracy testing should be immediately reported to ES&S at 1-800-247-8683.  Reporting known problems as early as possible will ensure that the equipment is functioning properly on Election Day.  As we are working very closely with ES&S to document and address all known technical issues, it is important at all equipment related issues be reported.

• Audit Log Report - When reporting equipment failures, you will be asked to provide support staff with the error message that appears on the audit log report.  This information is needed to identify the specific cause of the problem.  Complete the following steps to view and/or print the audit log report:

  1. Insert switch mode key - turn to Test position

  2. Select System Maintenance

  3. Enter Password  

  4. Select OK

  5. Select View/Download Log File

  6. Select View Scan Log to view the log

  7. Select Print File if you wish to print the log (insert a blank ballot or plain piece of paper)

  8. Select Done

• Stubbed Test Ballots - When performing "preliminary" testing of the AutoMARK terminals, it is important that some of the ballots used contain stubs.  While the stubs must be removed prior to the ballot being inserted into the terminal, including stubbed ballots in your test deck will give you the opportunity to simulate actual Election Day conditions.

• Use a Fresh Ink Cartridge - While previously used ink cartridges may be re-used to perform preliminary testing, a fresh cartridge should always be installed into each terminal for use on Election Day.

• Power Source - AutoMARK terminals should always be plugged into an electrical outlet while in use.  While all AutoMARK units have a battery backup, the batteries will only provide several hours of power and should be relied on only in an emergency.  It is also important that the switch mode key be turned to the "off" position following testing and the close of the polls.  Storing the terminals while turned on will unnecessarily drain the battery which will shorten the life of the battery.

• Use of Shorter Ballots with AutoMARK:  If you will be using a ballot that is shorter than 15" you will need to make a manual adjustment to the ballot feed tray (?Roller Guide') of each AutoMARK device to allow for the acceptance of shorter ballots.  Instructions on how to perform this task are available on the "User Documentation Manuals" CD, which was provided along with each AutoMARK device.

• Use of One or Two Column Ballots with AutoMARK:  If you will be using the Optech Insight tabulator please remember that the ballot input tray on the AutoMARK and tabulator must be changed to accommodate certain ballot widths.  Please refer to "NEWS YOU CAN USE" Issue 280, February 20, 2007, for details.