Ballot Bulletin: Pre-Election Equipment Testing and Post-Election Equipment Checks

This summer LWVWI is launching an educational series highlighting various election security topics so we are all better informed about  processes to ensure our elections are fair, accessible, and secure. This week we are highlighting the importance of pre-election equipment testing and post-election equipment audits. 

Our election officials leave no stone unturned when it comes to our voting equipment. Pre-election equipment testing and post-election equipment audits make sure our elections are accurate and reliable. 

Every election, election officials test voting machines and election software before voters use them in the election. This pre-election equipment testing allows election officials to double-check the performance and accuracy of voting machines and election software before they’re used in an election. Voters can be confident that any technical issues or errors will be caught and fixed before  voters cast their ballots. 

After November elections, election officials conduct checks of the voting equipment, called post-election equipment audits, to ensure the machines accurately recorded and counted votes. Election officials would detect any tampering or unauthorized use of the machines, and then quickly launch an investigation. 

In addition to these benefits, consistent testing helps our officials find potential vulnerabilities in the equipment and implement new security improvements and updates. 

And, this whole process is open to the public! You can check out the accuracy of the equipment and the results yourself during these tests. It shows how Wisconsin’s elections value transparency and building trust in the public.