BLAINE, Minn. – (Aug. 2, 2018) – Before you can vote in the Primary Election, a lot of work happens behind the scenes. Cities have to find election judges, prepare ballots, and get polling places. They also have to make sure all of their voting equipment is ready to go. One part of that is the public accuracy test.
The public accuracy testing is meant to make sure the tabulation machines are working like they should. They test votes for every candidate on the ballot; they test double votes, ballots with no votes, and in the primary they also test ballots where voters vote in both parties.
“Today we are selecting four precincts from the twenty-four that we have to test with the public,” said Blaine City Clerk Cathy Sorensen.
The public accuracy test was a success, and the equipment was certified as accurate. After the test, the machines are locked down until Election Day. The public accuracy test and all of the other election preparations are serious work that that a lot of time, and a lot of planning.
“The entire state takes this seriously, and they have taken many steps to ensure voter security,” said Sorensen.