Examining Ballot Scanners: An Inside Glimpse in Loudoun County
In the run-up to election day, Loudoun County is taking extra measures to ensure the accuracy and security of its ballot scanners. Each of the county's 140 ballot scanners will undergo a repeat testing process before the big day.
This meticulous process is nothing new in Virginia. Ballot scanners are individually tested and regulated before every election, ensuring the integrity of the voting system. A survey of this testing is submitted twice to the Virginia Department of Elections - once before early voting starts and again before election day.
The testing process in Loudoun County involves running a "test deck" of ballots through each scanner. For each machine, a test deck of 660 ballots is used to ensure proper counting. This thorough approach covers every possible combination for the 17 unique ballot styles specific to each precinct during early voting.
Local elections offices in Virginia must choose equipment from the state's approved vendor list. The ballot scanners used in Loudoun County have been reviewed and certified by the Virginia Department of Elections. A reassuring aspect is that these machines are not connected to the internet, serving as a safeguard for elections.
Eric Olsen, director of elections in Prince William County, also emphasises the importance of transparency and openness about the process. He holds open houses to increase transparency and allay any concerns about the election system. Olsen stated that the ballot scanners in his county are extremely accurate.
However, recent elections nationwide have seen ballot scanners becoming a political talking point due to concerns about potential hacking. To alleviate such fears, it's worth noting that the data for the ballot scanners in Virginia is loaded individually through a thumb drive, eliminating any potential online vulnerabilities.
Keech, from Virginia, believes that the vast majority of people believe the election system in the state is secure and safe. If there are doubts about the equipment's functionality in the election, it is not used in Loudoun County. The machines are sealed with a tamper-evident seal that has a unique serial number, providing another layer of security.
Despite the search results not containing information about the name of the company that manufactures the Virginia-approved voting projectors, the focus remains on ensuring a fair and secure election process. In the end, the goal is to instil confidence in the voting system and maintain the trust of the public.
