Contra Costa Runs 25,000 Test Ballots Through Its Counting Machines Ahead of Nov. 3

Contra Costa County's elections office ran its ballot scanners and tabulators through a public accuracy check on Friday, Oct. 9, feeding 25,000 pre-marked test ballots through the equipment it will use to count votes in the Nov. 3 general election.

The exercise, called a logic and accuracy test, is required by California law at least seven days before every election. Its purpose is to prove the machines read ballots and add up votes correctly. KTVU, which watched the test in the county's secured counting room in Martinez, reported that officials said the equipment produced accurate counts.

How the test works

The test ballots are printed and marked in advance, so staff already know what the totals should be. Assistant Registrar Helen Nolan told KTVU the county runs a set number of them through every scanner to show the scanners and tabulators work as expected. Observers can follow the process from start to finish and check that the machine results match the predetermined numbers.

Ballots with unclear marks went to an adjudication room, where two-person teams decided whether a voter's intent was clear. Clear choices were counted and marks that did not show intent were not, the station reported.

County Clerk Kristin B. Connelly told KTVU the office has to guarantee its equipment works so the public can have confidence in it. She said the county is planning for 70% turnout.

More checks before and after

Friday's central count test is one step on the county's published calendar of observable events, which also listed ballot marking device testing in September and poll pad testing Oct. 21 to 23. After Election Day, the county says it hand-counts 1% of ballots to confirm the machine totals, and it keeps paper ballots for at least 22 months.

Anyone can watch these steps. The county asks observers to check in at the Elections Division at 555 Escobar St. in Martinez, open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and to call 925-335-7800 first to find out what is scheduled. It also runs a Certified Election Observer program with classes and tours before each election.

Voting dates

In-person voting is already open in the elections office lobby during business hours through Nov. 2. Drop boxes opened Oct. 4 and close at 8 p.m. on Election Day. Regional early voting sites open Oct. 30, Oct. 31 and Nov. 2, and polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 3, according to the county.