Pre-Election Logic and Accuracy Testing: While the testing of all optical scan tabulators, AutoMARK Voter Assist Terminals, programs and ballots that will be used at an election is the responsibility of each local election commission, it is well known that the actual work that goes into this process is generally performed by the clerk, deputy clerk and other authorized assistants.  The following procedural reminders are offered to assist those involved in the performance of these duties.  Please note that electronic voting system users are prohibited from using testing procedures which do not meet the requirements of Michigan election law and the Rules promulgated for the administration of electronic voting systems.

Preparing the Chart of Predetermined Results:  It is recommended that the chart of predetermined results be prepared as early as possible prior to the election.  The following information is needed to complete this task: 1) a complete listing of all offices that will appear on the ballot 2) the total number of candidates whose names will appear under each office 3) the total number of votes allowed for each office and 4) the total number of proposals that will appear on the ballot.  Preparing the chart of predetermined results as early as possible will help to ensure that the required tests and any needed corrective actions can  be carried out in a timely manner.

Preparing the Test Deck:  Once the official ballots are received, a test deck is prepared for each ballot style.  The marks made on each test ballot must mirror those recorded for the corresponding test ballot on the chart of predetermined results.  Again, this work should be verified by a second or third person. 

·     Test decks should ALWAYS be made using ballots taken from the same print run as those that will be used at the polls on Election Day.

·     Test ballots should be marked in accordance with the voting instructions (i.e., all marks should be made within the voting target area).  In addition, all test ballots should be marked using black or blue ink.  NOTE: While it is important for election officials to be familiar with the various types of marks and marking tools that will be recognized by their voting system, this type of testing or evaluation is not considered part of the logic and accuracy testing process.  If this type of testing is desired, it should be performed outside of the required logic and accuracy testing procedure.   

·     A certain number of test ballots should be folded to simulate the tabulation of absent voter ballots.

·     As test ballots are rejected or returned by the tabulator, the specific reason for the return must be verified against the chart of predetermined results, e.g., certain ballots will be returned due to one or more overvotes while others will be returned because the ballot does not contain a valid vote or was taken from a different precinct.  Once the reason for the return is verified, the return is overridden.  (Exception:  It will not be possible to override ballots taken from a different precinct.)

Preliminary Test:  Once the program or programs are received, the program edit listing (tabulator zero tape) must be checked against the ballot to verify that all office titles, candidate names, maximum number of votes allowed, number of write-in positions and proposals agree.  A preliminary test must be performed on all tabulators to ensure that 1) the ballots, programs and tabulators assigned to each precinct and Absent Voter Counting Board precinct will work in concert with one another on Election Day 2) that the programs were prepared in accordance with law and rule and 3) that the voting equipment is functioning properly.  It is the responsibility of the local election commission to conduct a preliminary test and a public accuracy test where a "test deck" of voted ballots is tabulated by each tabulator and the results are verified against the chart of predetermined results.

Public Test:  The public test of randomly selected ballots, tabulators and programs must be conducted no later than the 5^th day prior to the election.  The date, time and location of the test must be published in a newspaper of general circulation within the jurisdiction at least 18 hours prior to the test.  The public test provides an opportunity for candidates, political parties, interest groups and members of the public to observe the tabulation of ballots as evidence that the ballots, programs and tabulators have been prepared in accordance with law and rule.  Once the test is completed, those in attendance can, if desired, mark and tabulate additional test ballots as a further demonstration of the accuracy of the system.  It should be noted that the public test must be performed even if there is no one in attendance to observe the testing process.