# Open and Close Polls

## Open Polls on VxMarkScan

After VxMarkScan is turned on, the screen will show *Polls Closed:*

<figure><img src="/files/SkLB31e0klZqDz4k3F4f" alt="" width="188"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Verify the election name, election date, and precinct are correct in the bottom left corner.

{% 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 beneath the accessible controller
* [ ] Select *`Open Polls`*
* [ ] Confirm by selecting *`Open Polls`* again
* [ ] Remove the poll worker card

<div><figure><img src="/files/J00OCrjbo0oHKmhBTKCJ" alt="" width="188"><figcaption></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="/files/qIaFlK7aTf1dQkQzSD3z" alt="" width="188"><figcaption></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="/files/0A0Ox3iqtOdxbmC6Q8zX" alt="" width="188"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

* [ ] Verify the number of ballots printed is zero

The polls are now open and VxMarkScan is ready for voters.

## Close Polls on VxMarkScan

* [ ] Remove ballot bin seal
* [ ] Remove ballots inside (secure for tabulation on VxCentralScan)
* [ ] Insert the poll worker card into the card reader beneath the accessible controller
* [ ] Select *`Close Polls`*
* [ ] Confirm by selecting *`Close Polls`* again

<div><figure><img src="/files/GtjCA9AlmKrqegfMnblz" alt="" width="188"><figcaption></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="/files/h6Jhp5xoAFnaQxtGvw1D" alt="" width="188"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

* [ ] Remove the poll worker card

The polls are now closed.

## Pause or Resume Voting

The *`Pause Voting`* action is generally used by jurisdictions conducting early voting over multiple days or during an emergency situation. To pause voting and not allow ballots to be marked by VxMarkScan:

* [ ] Insert the poll worker card into the card reader beneath the accessible controller
* [ ] Select *`Pause Voting`*
* [ ] Confirm by selecting *`Pause Voting`* again

<div><figure><img src="/files/3zzTE0yW2iLNjAaNKpNp" alt="" width="188"><figcaption></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="/files/7oEkO0b0imaC4h7KG17L" alt="" width="188"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

* [ ] Remove the poll worker card

Voting is now paused. When you want to resume voting:

* [ ] Insert the poll worker card into the card reader beneath the accessible controller
* [ ] Select *`Resume Voting`*
* [ ] Confirm by selecting *`Resume Voting`* again

<div><figure><img src="/files/SNmkBcjSGB0Zgl5n76cL" alt="" width="188"><figcaption></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="/files/d51BqikVbaoa6PilntME" alt="" width="188"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

* [ ] Remove the poll worker card

Voting can now continue.


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