# Opening Polls

### Opening Polls on VxScan

After VxScan is plugged in, the Polls Closed screen will show.

<figure><img src="/files/dppbL8vyOsn4IbSA1WSA" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="warning" %}
If there is an orange banner that says "Test Ballot Mode" on the screen, contact your election administrator immediately to prepare the machine for the election.
{% endhint %}

To open the polls:

* [ ] open the interior panel and insert the Poll Worker Card into the card reader
* [ ] select *`Yes, Open the Polls`*

<div><figure><img src="/files/qeuY68I1GeQ9EqbvpzhS" alt="" width="198"><figcaption><p>insert Poll Worker Card</p></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="/files/DwqIxMqZ9XmzfaweX30v" alt="" width="358"><figcaption><p>select Yes, Open the Polls</p></figcaption></figure></div>

* [ ] insert a piece of thermal paper into the back of the printer (one copy of the Polls Opened Report will print)
* [ ] select *`Print Additional Polls Opened Report`* to print more reports as necessary

<div><figure><img src="/files/smwjbNRX1h3n4D5DBSDw" alt=""><figcaption><p>insert thermal paper</p></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="/files/tSjSbvqL9ige4dcszP1y" alt=""><figcaption><p>select Print Additional Polls Opened Report to print more reports</p></figcaption></figure></div>

* [ ] remove the Poll Worker Card from VxScan

##

The polls are now open. The number of ballots scanned should be zero. Verify the precinct name and election date are correct in the bottom left corner.

<figure><img src="/files/UlOOgsI4xMgB4X6iHIoz" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

##

Below is an example of the Polls Opened Report. All contest totals should be zero when polls are opened.

<figure><img src="/files/MhdQ021QlxqQ3hIf1L4q" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Prepare VxScan for Voting

* [ ] close the interior panel
* [ ] seal and document the panel as required

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/db8qYALFn4i0X98pSaTB" alt="" width="188"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

The polls are now ready for voters.

{% hint style="danger" %}
The interior panel should remain sealed and secure at all times unless a poll worker requires access. Any unauthorized access should be reported to an election administrator immediately.
{% endhint %}


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