# Pre-Election Checklist

To prepare for an election, complete the steps below.  

### Download Election Package

**VxDesign**

* [ ] log in to VxDesign
* [ ] select *`Downloads`*
* [ ] insert a USB drive into your computer
* [ ] select *`Download`* from the election package box
* [ ] save the entire .zip file to the USB drive (do not open the .zip file)
* [ ] log out of VxDesign

### **Remove Previous Election Files**

**VxAdmin**

* [ ] log in with system administrator card
* [ ] select Election from the side menu
* [ ] select *`Unconfigure Machine`*

**VxScan**

* [ ] log in with system administrator card
* [ ] select *`Unconfigure Machine`*

### Configure VxAdmin

* [ ] set up VxAdmin
* [ ] log in with system administrator card
* [ ] insert USB drive containing the election package
* [ ] select the file name of the correct election package
* [ ] verify the title and date of election are correct
* [ ] select *`eject USB`*
* [ ] remove and securely store USB drive
* [ ] select *`Settings`* from the side menu and verify the current time and date are correct 

### Create Election Manager & Poll Worker Cards

* [ ] log in with system administrator card
* [ ] select *`Smart Cards`* from the side menu
* [ ] insert card to program into the card reader (unprogram if necessary)
* [ ] select the correct button for the card you are programming
* [ ] for election manager cards, record the PIN and keep it secure 
* [ ] repeat for all cards you need to program
* [ ] lock VxAdmin (skip if continuing to the next section)
* [ ] securely store all cards

### Format USB Drives

* [ ] log in with **system administrator card**
* [ ] insert a USB drive
* [ ] select *`Settings`* from the side menu and select *`Format USB`*
* [ ] confirm you want to format the USB drive by selecting *`Format USB`*
* [ ] repeat for all USB drives you need to format
* [ ] lock VxAdmin (skip if continuing to the next section)

### Save Election Package

* [ ] log in with system administrator card
* [ ] select *`Election`* from the side menu in VxAdmin
* [ ] select *`Save Election Package`* 
* [ ] insert USB drive when prompted
* [ ] select *`Save`*
* [ ] select *`Eject USB`* 
* [ ] after VxAdmin confirms USB ejection, it is safe to remove the USB drive
* [ ] lock VxAdmin
* [ ] securely store system administrator card

### Configure VxScan

* [ ] log in with election manager card
* [ ] insert USB drive with the election package from VxAdmin
* [ ] select the precinct the VxScan will be assigned to (if applicable)
* [ ] verify the title and date of election are correct
* [ ] verify the machine is in the mode you need (test ballot or official ballot mode)
* [ ] remove election manager card
* [ ] repeat on each VxScan

Updated on February 26, 2026. 


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