Michigan election commissions have started public testing of voting machines to ensure they work correctly before the Nov. 3 General Election. The mandatory testing, which must be completed at least five days before early voting begins, is open to the public.
Logic and accuracy testing involves running test ballots through voting machines to verify they are programmed correctly and operating as expected. After the test, test materials are securely stored and kept separate from actual voting materials, according to the state.
According to Deputy Secretary of State Aghogho Edevbie, the public testing is "an important security measure, giving Michiganders transparency into our secure, accurate election system." Michigan law requires the use of paper ballots for every election, with votes machine-counted using certified equipment that counties select and maintain.
Early voting for the general election begins statewide on Saturday, Oct. 24, and runs for nine consecutive days including two weekends. Some communities are offering additional early voting days beyond the statewide period.