How do we know voting technology works right?

Election officials test all voting equipment before each election. This process is often called “logic and accuracy testing.” It’s like getting into a car right after it received a safety inspection and tune-up—you can feel confident that things are going to perform well.

Logic and accuracy testing involves testing voting equipment to ensure it is working properly (‘logic’) and counting ballots correctly (‘accuracy’). For example, pre-marked test ballots are used to examine if ballot tabulators count the right number of votes and reject improperly filled out ballots.

All equipment used in voting gets tested: electronic voting machines, ballot marking devices, ballot scanners, and vote tabulators. The tests help election officials find and correct any issues with voting technology, ballot design, or other aspects of election administration before any real ballots are involved.

Election officials in all states are required to do logic and accuracy testing prior to an election, and many states require a public demonstration of testing. Before voting starts for an election, election officials test all voting equipment with election-specific information and test ballots. Logic and accuracy testing is also done before audits and recounts.

For additional information:

• Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, “Election Security Rumor vs. Reality”
• National Conference of State Legislatures, “Voting System Standards, Testing and Certification”
• U.S. Election Assistance Commission, “Voting System Security Measures”