Idaho Procedures

1
Idaho Procedures

• M650 GREEN LIGHT
• OPTICAL SCAN TABULATOR

2
OVERVIEW

• Security and Chain of Custody Plan
• Certified System Software Version
• Acceptance Testing
• Ballot Management Plan
• Tabulation Plan
• Documentation Plan
• Staff Training
• Poll Worker Training
• Voter Information Campaign

3
Security and Chain of Custody

• Election computers, computer ballots files,
  ballots, tabulator(s), and all election
  definition and transfer zip disks must be secured
  at all times.
• Counties must develop written security procedures
  
• Operate in teams
• Sign off forms

4
Certified System Software

• M650 version 2.1.0.0.
• Election Data Manager, (EDM) version 7.4.4.0.
• ESS Image Manager, (ESSIM) version 7.4.2.0.
• Hardware Programming Manager, (HPM) version
  5.2.4.0.
• Data Acquisition Manager (DAM), version 6.0.0.0.
• Election Reporting Manager (ERM), version
  7.1.2.1.
• Audit Manager, version 7.3.0.0.

5
Acceptance Testing

• Validate the performance of the system before
  acceptance.
• The purpose of acceptance testing is to ensure
  that the entire system is reading ballots,
  tabulating and reporting as specified.
• Function test with test deck
• Load test 1000 ballots
• Partial Acceptance of M650 and ERM

6
Plan

• Ballot Management Plan
• Ballot PDF
• Actual Size Ballot Proof
• Approval
• Testing
• Transport to and from the polls

7
Diagram Ballot Flow

• Election Day Ballots
• Absentee Ballots
• Sorting for Damaged Ballots
• To M650
• To Duplication Board
• To Write-in Board
• Exception Ballots
• Accessible and Secure Storage

8
Tabulation Plan

• Receiving ballots
• Ballot preparation of folded absentee ballots
• Exception Ballots
• Duplications
• Write-ins
• Un-readable by machine
• Storage plan that allows access to duplications,
  originals and write-ins in case of a recount

9
Exception Ballots

• An Exception Ballot is defined as any ballot
  that stops the tabulator and requires review.
• Scanner operators should not review ballots.
• Exception Ballots should be placed in bins and
  sent to the resolution board. Include blanks,
  write-ins, indeterminate read errors and channel
  read errors, ballot style errors.

10
Documentation Plan

• Insure that all security procedures, test data,
  tabulator reports, transfer data, public reports
  and results are verified, documented, archived
  and accessible for review.
• Retain election documentation for 22 months.

11
Staff Training

• Detailed machine training from the vendor
• Security and chain of custody procedures
• Ballot flow detailing county procedures for
• Security
• Ballot flow
• Duplication and Exception Ballots
• Tabulation, Backup and Reporting
• Secure Storage Ballots, Data, Reports, M650
• Mock Election Recommended

12
Procedure Training Manual

• Develop Written Procedures for Staff
• Security
• Ballot Flow and
• Testing
• Duplication and Write-in procedures
• Data Transfer Procedure
• Results Accumulation Procedures
• Backup Reporting
• Secure Storage

13
Poll Worker Training

• It is the responsibility of the county to insure
  that each voter receives a demonstration and
  knows how to properly cast a ballot that will be
  tabulated by machine.
• Required Demonstration at polls

14
Poll Worker Training

• How to properly mark an optical scan ballot by
  completely filling in the oval
• How to request a new ballot if they make any
  mistake
• Not to erase or use Xs or check marks
• To carefully check their own ballot for stray
  marks

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Voter Information Campaign

• Follow Marking Instructions
• Check Your Ballot For Stray Marks
• Ask For A New Ballot If You Make A Mistake
• A Properly Marked Ballot Will Be Counted Properly
• idahovotes.gov

16
PRE-ELECTION PROCEDURES

• Preventative Maintenance and Calibration by ESS
• Maintenance Documentation
• Detail All Services
• Ballot Image Reports
• Spread Sheet

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PRE-ELECTION PROCEDURES

• Election Definition Programming
• Unity on Line Training
• AutoMARK and Audio Ballots
• Deadlines and Delivery
• Order 2 zip disks
• Develop a vendor timeline sign-off
• Logic and Accuracy Test

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Logic and Accuracy Test

• A public test is required by Section 34-2417
• Vendors test deck to check programming and
  ballots - ASAP
• State test deck to develop county test deck
• County test deck to confirm programming and
  ballots for all precincts and rotations with the
  actual ballots
• State test deck for public tests
• Demonstrate at least one precinct

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Logic and Accuracy Test

• Counties with Multiple M650s
• Run LA Through ERM Reporting
• Burn a CD-ROM with Results
• Validate Expected Results with Results Saved to
  CD-ROM
• Save Test Data

20
Marking Devices

• Counties are to provide voters at the polls with
  ESS approved marking devices
• Absentee voters are to be instructed to use a 2
  pencil or Blue or Black ink pen
• List of approved marking devices

21
TABULATION

• Logic and Accuracy Test
• Ballot Preparation
• Inspect for Damaged Ballots
• Sort Switches
• Blank Ballots
• Write-ins (if any)
• LA same positions
• Expected Results 1 blank - 1 write-in

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All Ballots that stop the M650

• Send to review boards
• Counties are to continue to use the existing
  ballot duplication procedures for ballots that
  are unreadable by machine.

23
Exception Ballots

• Blanks
• Duplicate and Original ballots
• Valid write-in
• Invalid Ballot Style error
• Code Channel error
• Indeterminate Read errors

24
Tabulation of Duplicated Ballots

• Plan for Duplicates and Originals Diagram ballot
  flow back to tabulator
• Avoid crossing counted and uncounted ballots
• Do not mix originals and duplicates
• Diagram ballot flow to storage
• Accessible storage for review

25
Results Accumulation

• Spread sheet single M650s
• Election Reporting Manager (ERM) software
• Data transfer log to track all transfer disks
  from each tabulator for each transfer to confirm
  data verification and backup
• Print and backup reports
• Check for anomalies or inconsistencies
• ERM Burn a CD-ROM

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Unofficial Election Results

• Election Night Public Reports
• Report Unofficial Election Results to the
  Secretary of State Election Night

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POST-TABULATION

• Logic and Accuracy Test
• Retain Ballots
• Save Results Reports
• Save Test Documentation
• Save all ERM files to CD-ROM
• Re-create the Election if Necessary
• Incident Contingency Plans

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BEST PRACTICES

• Information Links
• Prepare Detailed Plans and Procedures
• Pre-Election Testing and Reporting
• Election Day
• Data Transfer to Election Reporting Manager
• ESS Recommended Marking Devices
• Sample Tracking Spread Sheet

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Everything Posted Online

• www.idsos.idaho.gov/elect/clerk/clerkinfo.htm