Officials, volunteers conduct rigorous testing of voting equipment ahead of elections

HONOLULU (KHON2) — The primary election is a little more than a month away and local elections officials along with volunteer observers are ensuring the integrity and security of the voting process.

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Officials and volunteer observers from various political parties were conducting what is called a “logic and accuracy test” of the voting equipment to guarantee the integrity of the election.

“You have official observers who mark the test ballot, they’ll run it through the system, and they’ll reconcile to make sure the system is counting logically and accurately,” Scott Nago, Chief Election Officer, Office of Elections said.

It is a test that will be repeated in each county in the coming week. The equipment will be used at the voter service centers across the state on election day.

As with every testing, observers are volunteers who serve as the eyes and ears of the public.

“As far as what we’re doing, it’s very accurate and we check every single thing from one thing to the other to other to the other, it’s always double checked. And that’s a good process,” official observer Daisy Tim said.

The testing process includes a series of checks and simulations designed to detect and rectify any potential issues. Once official observers confirm everything is in order, the machines are certified and secured.

“I think it’s a great responsibility and a great way to participate in our civic duties and processes,” Jamie Detwiler, a first-time official observer said. “Our vote counts, and we want it to count.”

Voters should be receiving their primary election mail ballots at the end of July. Anyone who is registered but does not receive a ballot should contact the elections office.

New in 2024, voters can track their ballots by signing up through the elections website and choose to receive text, email or a phone call to tell them when their ballot is sent to them as well as when it is received and processed for counting.

Also, there is a digital voters guide available on the elections website. Voters can type in their addresses and see their candidate profiles.