# Opening Polls

After VxScan is plugged in, the screen will show that polls are closed:

<figure><img src="/files/Yr3fZIGXWUfDOGFw28cn" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="warning" %}
If there is an orange callout 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:

* [ ] Insert the poll worker card into the card reader
* [ ] Select *`Open Polls`*

<div><figure><img src="/files/XuSLDA7zpE1McGAnh19A" alt="" width="188"><figcaption><p>Insert poll worker card</p></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="/files/l2kaVHbKNNfb5il6GhwJ" alt="" width="375"><figcaption><p>Select <em>Open Polls</em></p></figcaption></figure></div>

* [ ] One copy of the polls opened report will print
* [ ] Tear to remove the report
* [ ] Select *`Reprint Polls Opened Report`* to print more reports as necessary

<div><figure><img src="/files/iwL8nXIUpWBhFNazceTY" alt="" width="188"><figcaption></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="/files/wAUGVRAFstWXvd85SKcf" alt="" width="375"><figcaption><p>Select <em>Reprint Polls Opened Report</em> to print more reports</p></figcaption></figure></div>

* [ ] Remove the poll worker card

{% hint style="info" %}
For primary elections, you may be prompted to print and tear multiple reports, one for each party.
{% endhint %}

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/wmvE0JMA89MgWXPLZ3p2" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Below is an example of the polls opened report. All totals should be zero.

<figure><img src="/files/3fgu7o3bM2mRRq6JZgUr" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="danger" %}
The poll worker door 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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