Elections operate on a complex series of systems, where a single failure can cascade. Ballot-marking devices (BMDs), tabulators, e-pollbooks, scanners, printers, batteries, and cables all share and transfer data, and each connection is a potential point of failure. Thoroughly testing and preparing equipment and accessories before an election is part of ensuring the security and resilience of the overall election process.
As noted in Part 1 of this series, pre-election testing reduces risk and confirms that equipment is secure and ready for use. While some equipment is needed for software testing, such as tabulators and BMDs during logic and accuracy (L&A) testing, every device and accessory can be prepared now so election offices aren’t rushed once data becomes available for testing. Early hardware checks allow time to repair or replace malfunctioning pieces long before election day.
Testing should verify:
- Preventive maintenance and calibration are current on every unit, not just the ones that were troublesome last election.
- Batteries and backups hold a full charge. These should be checked twice: now, and again shortly before election day.
- Cables, cords, and connectors actually work. If they look damaged or frayed, replace them.
- Each device powers on and performs the way it needs to.
- Safe and secure equipment deployment to polling locations and back to the election office or warehouse. A deployment plan should include securing equipment in the polling place when deployed prior to election day and ensuring set-up provides the power and space needed. Designate responsibilities for transportation and installation and confirm chain of custody procedures are in place.
Equipment readiness doesn’t end when the devices power on. A testing plan needs to establish deadlines for completing initial testing, resolving issues, retesting, and final certification for election use. Any jurisdictions facing the possibility of last-minute redistricting should account for this in their pre-testing timeline.
Election-day problems that make the news are rarely sophisticated attacks. They tend to be the dead battery, frayed cable, or machine nobody plugged in to test. Testing is a core security function. By testing the entire election process, jurisdictions inform their emergency preparedness and bolster their resilience.
The Planning Desk is a running timeline of key election security tasks. You can find prior editions in the newsletter archive.