Test Vote Procedure

      The Test Vote Procedure allows you to test the machine five times before the polls open.  Poll workers, who work exclusively in teams to test the machines, can check each of the candidate selections in any combination of offices.  Each team has a representative from a different major party.  Poll workers choose selections and track which candidate is selected for each test vote.  After the selections have been made, the ballot is voted by pushing the "Cast Votes" button.  Candidates are selected five times in a row.  After the "Cast Ballot" button is pushed for the fifth time, the test voting is done.  Without any further action on the part of the election officials, the selection panel printer then prints a record of the test votes.  The counters are then reset to zeros.

      At this time, the "Start Election – Print Zeroes" message appears on the Palm device.  The election official pushes the "X" and the proof sheet showing the machine started at zero is printed.  The proof sheet has the name and date of the election, the precinct, the machine number, and various lines for poll worker signatures.  Soon after, the "Start Election – Reset After-Election Latch" message appears on the Palm device.  The election official pushes the "X" and the machine is ready for voting.

      There will be an envelope called the seal envelope that will have a machine number printed on it.  The number on the envelope will match the number on the protective counter and the number on the machine seal.  Poll workers will check to see that the machine is initialized and that all vote totals are zeroed.  The zero totals must be printed before the polls open.  These printed totals are proof sheets, which are public information, and the candidates have a right to examine the printing.

      Five minutes before the polls open, turn on Lock 2 and remove the entrance knob seal.  Place the broken seal and the machine keys back in the seal envelope.  The machine will now be ready for official voting.