R623-2-4. Uniform Counting Standards for Optical Scan Ballots

A. A correctly voted optical scan ballot occurs when a voter, using a readable marker, fills in or connects at least one of the ovals/arrows per race, question, or issue, not to exceed the maximum allowable votes per race, question or issue, in accordance with the ballot marking instructions.

B. Optical scan equipment shall be set to consistent and uniform sensitivity standards for each system type.

C. Pre-election testing shall be performed by the designated election official in accordance with Utah Code Section 20A-4-104(1).

D. Election day count machine settings shall be set to sort blank ballots, overvotes, and write-in votes.

E. When a precinct optical scan counter is used in the precinct the procedure is as follows:

1. A zero tape shall be run indicating no votes cast or counted before the machine is used.

2. Voters whose ballots are rejected or sorted by the precinct counter as a blank, overvoted or undervoted ballot shall be given the opportunity to correct their ballot.

3. Ballots sorted to a write-in bin shall be tallied at the conclusion of the voting and delivered to the central counting center in a secure container.

F. When using a central count optical scan counter, the procedure is as follows:

1. A zero tape shall be run indicating no votes cast or counted before the counting begins.

2. Official ballots shall be processed through the optical scanner, with write in votes tallied. If there are no legally qualified write-in candidates, the write-in sort option shall not be utilized.

3. The optical scanner shall be tested again by tabulating the test deck at the conclusion of the count.

G. Resolution of optical scan ballots shall be as follows:

1. Damaged or defective ballots shall be repaired, if possible, to be accepted by the optical scan equipment. If the ballot is damaged beyond repair, the ballot shall be duplicated utilizing the ballot duplication procedures established in Utah Code Section 20A-4-104(3).

2. Blank ballots shall be examined by the resolution board to determine if the ballot is a true blank ballot or one that has been marked with a non-detected device. The resolution board may clarify a non-detected mark in such a manner that the original voter mark is preserved, such as making a detectable line through the non-detected mark, placing a removable label over the non-detected mark and marking with the proper device, or placing cellophane tape over the mark and a marked removable label to properly reflect the voter's intent. The election officer must initial the clarification in a non-readable area on the ballot next to the clarification. The election official may also choose to make a true duplicate copy of the ballot utilizing the ballot duplication procedures. If a ballot is truly blank, it shall be sent back for the resolution pass through the scanner, and the ballot tabulated with no races, issues or questions voted.

3. Overvoted ballots shall be inspected by the resolution board. Any marks that are clearly identified as unintentional but register as an overvote on the scanner may be clarified by the election officer by the placement of a removable adhesive sticker over the unintentional mark to properly reflect the voter's intent. The election officer must initial next to the clarification in a non-readable portion of the ballot. The election officer may also choose to make a true duplicate copy of the ballot utilizing the procedures for duplication of ballots.

4. Write-in votes sorted by the optical scan equipment on election day shall be designated for hand counting. In order to be counted, the oval must be darkened or the arrow connected according to the appropriate voting instructions.

H. Recount Procedures for Optical Scan.

1. Optical scan equipment shall be set to consistent sensitivity standards for each system type, shall be tested prior to the recount, and shall be programmed to sort undervotes for the individuals race(s), issue(s) or question(s) being recounted.

2. Recounts will include a visual inspection of all ballots cast for write-in candidates in the contested race(s) to determine voter intent.