ISHPEMING, Mich. (WZMQ) – Special elections are less than two weeks away, and throughout local districts, voting machines are being tested to ensure each vote is being counted properly.
Marquette County Clerk Linda Talsma says this testing allows the machines’ accuracy to be held to the highest of standards.
“Our machines are very solid, and we have many security measures we go through behind the scenes to make sure that these are adequate,” she said. “We also have testing that goes on year-round on the actual hardware.”
Before every election, it is required by law to test every voting machine thoroughly. Using a test deck made up of multiple assorted answers, trained officials need to make sure the machines respond properly to any possible type of entry.
Wednesday was Marquette County’s final public accuracy test before election day, where community members could view these tests for themselves. Allowing the public to get a closer glance aims to provide secure transparency before the elections take place.
“We’re checking to make sure that any mistakes are being caught, and that the test ballots are going through correctly, before the voter actually goes into vote on election day.” said Talsma.
The voting machines will now be locked and sealed until election day on November 4. To view your county’s ballot, visit michigan.gov.
