VxScan Error Messages

VxScan is programmed to intuitively explain to a voter or poll worker problems that may occur with a ballot or the VxScan. The following is a list of potential error messages and the actions a voter or a poll worker should take to remedy the error.

Error Message
Voter Action
Poll Worker Action

Ballot Bag Full*

Ask a poll worker for help.

Replace the full ballot bag with an empty ballot bag. Insert a Poll Worker Card after the ballot bag is replaced and confirm replacement is complete.

Ballot Not Counted

Remove ballot and scan again.

Contact your election administrator to clean the scanner if this message repeats multiple times.

Ballot Not Counted - Live ballot detected. Scanner is in test mode.

Ask a poll worker for help.

Contact your election administrator, scanner is in test mode.

Ballot Not Counted - Test ballot detected. Scanner is in live mode.

Ask a poll worker for help.

Issue the voter an official ballot. Contact your election administrator if you do not have official ballots.

Ballot Not Counted - The ballot does not match the election this scanner is configured for.

Ask a poll worker for help.

Verify the correct ballot was issued to the voter. Contact your election administrator for the correct ballots.

Ballot Not Counted - The ballot does not match the precinct this scanner is configured for.

Ask a poll worker for help.

Contact your election administrator for the correct ballots or to change the precinct on the VxScan.

Ballot Not Counted - The ballot is jammed in the scanner.

Ask a poll worker for help.

Clear the ballot jam and have the voter reinsert their ballot.

Ballot Not Counted - There was a problem reading this ballot. Please scan again.

Remove the ballot and scan again.

If the ballot continues to be unread, spoil the ballot and issue a new one to the voter.

Card is Backwards

Remove the card, turn it around, and insert it again.

Internal Connection Problem

Ask a poll worker for help.

Unplug and replug the power cord (from the power backup if used). If that doesn't remedy the issue, restart the precinct scanner tablet. After power cycling both the tablet and scanner, check visible cord connections. Contact your election administrator to check internal cord connections.

Invalid Card - Remove the card to continue.

Contact your election administrator for a new Poll Worker Card.

No Power Detected

Ask a poll worker for help.

Plug power cord into a live outlet.

Remove Your Ballot - Another ballot is being scanned.

Remove the ballot and wait for the previous ballot to be counted.

Scanner Error - Please ask poll worker to unplug.

Ask a poll worker for help.

Unplug and replug the power cord (from the power backup if used). If that doesn't remedy the issue, restart the precinct scanner tablet.

Screen is Frozen

Ask a poll worker for help.

Restart the precinct scanner tablet. If that doesn't remedy the issue, unplug and replug the power cord (from the power backup if used).

*Note: VxScan will notify the poll worker that the ballot bag is full at 700 voters. However, the ballot bag may be emptied or replaced earlier by inserting a Poll Worker Card and selecting Replace Ballot Bag. Once the ballot bag has been emptied or replaced, select Yes, Resume Voting and remove the Poll Worker Card.

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