Iowa Admin. Code r. 721-22.42

Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 8, October 30, 2024

Rule 721-22.42 - Preparing test decks

The commissioner shall prepare test decks from all ballots printed for use in the election, including those for use at the polling places and for absentee balloting. Each of the following test decks shall be prepared for every precinct and ballot style in the election. Commissioners may use additional test methods to supplement the process described in this rule.

(1)Requirements for all test decks prepared by the commissioner and used in public testing. The commissioner shall:

a. Replace ballots spoiled during the marking process instead of attempting to correct errors.

b. Fill in each oval completely using the recommended pen, pencil or voter assist terminal.

c. Mark each ballot "Test Ballot."

d. Mark at least one valid vote for each candidate and question on the ballot using the OVI unit (if applicable). The ballots marked by the OVI unit may be used as part of the systematic test deck (if applicable).

e. Mark at least one valid vote for each candidate and question on the ballot using the ImageCast Evolution or ImageCast Precinct with audio and printer (if applicable). The ballots marked by one of these units may be used as part of the systematic test deck (if applicable).

(2)Required test method. The commissioner shall:

a. Prepare a test plan showing the planned number of votes, including undervotes and overvotes for each oval on the ballot. Follow the instructions in subrules 22.42(3) through 22.42(5) in preparing the test decks.

b. Mark the test ballots according to the test plan.

c. Print a zero totals report from the optical scan tabulator before inserting any ballots.

d. Insert the ballots into the optical scan tabulator and print a report showing the number of votes recorded for all offices, questions and judges, including undervotes and overvotes.

e. Compare the printed report with the test plan to ensure that the correct number of votes was counted for each oval.

f. If the commissioner finds errors, the commissioner shall identify and correct them. The commissioner shall repeat the testing process until the printed results from the tabulator match the test plan. If the commissioner cannot produce an errorless test, the equipment shall not be used in the election.

(3)Systematic test deck. The commissioner shall determine a unique number of votes for each candidate in each office, such as one vote for each write-in oval for the office, two votes for the first candidate listed (or "NO" votes on public measures and judges), three votes for the second candidate, etc. It is not necessary to have a different number of votes for each write-in oval for offices for which the voter may select more than one candidate. However, the write-in oval shall have a different number of votes marked than any candidate for the office. The commissioner shall:

a. For offices without candidates, mark all of the write-in ovals for that office.

b. For offices in which the voter may vote for more than one candidate, vote for the maximum allowed on at least one ballot.

c. On a ballot that contains at least one valid vote, overvote one other office or question.

(4)System-specific testing requirements. Separate tests are prescribed for each certified voting system.

a.Election Systems & Software, Unisyn OpenElect and Dominion Democracy Suite-overvote and blank ballot test. For an overvote and blank ballot test, the commissioner shall:

(1) Overvote all offices and questions (including judges) on one ballot, by marking one more vote than permitted. Do not mark the write-in ovals for any offices for which there are no candidates' names on the ballot.

(2) When the overvoted ballots are rejected by the optical scan tabulator, override the rejection and include the ballot in the tally. Add to the manual tally the number of overvotes in this test. The tally for this part of the test deck will show no votes for any candidate.

(3) Insert a blank ballot. When the blank ballot is rejected by the optical scan tabulator, override the rejection and include the ballot in the tally. This is a very important test of the accuracy of ballot printing. Printing errors sometimes put readable marks in the voting target area.

(4) Orientation test. Mark the maximum number of choices for each office and question on one ballot.

Scan this ballot in each of the four possible orientations:

* Face up, head first.

* Face down, head first.

* Face up, feet first.

* Face down, feet first.

b. Premier Election Solutions.

(1) Blank and fully voted test. The commissioner shall use two ballots for this test.

1. Leave one ballot completely blank.

2. On the second ballot, mark every oval on both sides of the ballot.

3. Select "Test Blank Ballots" and insert the blank ballot in all four orientations:

*Face up, head first.

*Face down, head first.

*Face up, feet first.

*Face down, feet first.

4. Select "Test Fully Voted Ballots" and insert the second ballot in each of the four orientations listed in numbered paragraph "3" above.

5. Reinsert the blank ballot and the fully voted ballot and override the rejection feature.

(2) Overvote. Overvote all offices and questions (including judges) on one ballot, by marking one more vote than permitted. Do not mark the write-in ovals for any offices for which there are no candidates' names on the ballot.

Iowa Admin. Code r. 721-22.42

ARC 0238C, IAB 8/8/12, effective 7/11/12

Amended by IAB November 8, 2017/Volume XL, Number 10, effective 12/13/2017