VotingWorks recommends completing the following setup inspection procedures before, during, or after logic and accuracy testing for each election. All readiness inspection tasks can be completed by an election manager.
All users can use Signed Hash Validation on each device to verify that the software is certified VotingWorks software and has not been tampered with. The software on each device should not change between elections except in cases of VotingWorks-managed upgrades.
All devices with a scanner (VxScan, VxCentralScan, and VxMark) should be cleaned and VxScan double sheet detection should be calibrated.
Election managers can use each device's diagnostic interface to confirm the machine is ready for an election. The diagnostic interfaces and the exportable readiness reports are documented for each device in VxAdmin Diagnostics, VxScan Diagnostics, VxMark Diagnostics, and VxCentralScan Diagnostics. For each device:
Successfully completing all tests and producing a complete readiness report also confirms that all necessary cabling is functioning.
In addition to the readiness report, election managers should validate that vote counters are zero:
USB drives should be properly formatted and free of data from previous elections before pre-election testing. While it is possible to inspect the USB drives manually on most computers, VotingWorks recommends simply using the USB Formatting feature on VxAdmin to ensure all drives are formatted and clear.
All required consumable levels should be checked:
All backup power supplies (also known as UPSs for uninterruptible power supplies) must be fully charged. When fully charged, backup power supplies will allow powering devices for approximately four hours without power. Even when fully charged, however, backup power supplies should be connected to a standard 120V wall outlet to avoid draining the battery unnecessary.
To confirm that the charge is full before an election, check the LED display. On the Anker Solix C300, tap the power button to illuminate (or hide) the display. On the APC BN1500M2, press any button to illuminate the display. Refer to the user manual provided with your UPS for more information if needed.
While most seals are applied during the course of an election, some seals are applied when the device is first manufactured. These factory seals are intended to be permanent except in cases where VotingWorks performs a repair. The presence of each factory seal should be confirmed before each election as a check against hardware tampering.
VxAdmin and VxCentralScan have one factory seal that wraps around the right side of the laptop. VxScan has three factory seals: bottom left panel, bottom right panel, top panel. VxMark has one behind the touchscreen.
All seals should have an identifier beginning with VX- and should appear whole and free of defects.
The setup inspection procedures described above are intended to be completed before, during, or after logic and accuracy testing for each election in addition to the jurisdiction-specific logic and accuracy testing which validates the election configuration, the ballots, and full system operation. The steps below may be completed in a variety of orders depending on your logic and accuracy procedures:
If these checks are not completed prior to election day, there's a risk that the system will not work properly.
Software hash checks and hardware seal checks protect against tampering
Calibrating and cleaning scanners ensures proper ballot handling and interpretation
Equipment readiness inspection ensures the equipment will function on election day
Charging batteries ensures the system will function during a power outage
Checking consumables ensures voting and reporting will not be hampered by a lack of supplies