MADISON, Wis. — The City of Madison Clerk’s Office on Saturday spent the day testing their election equipment to get ready for election day on Nov. 8.
Prior to each election, the Clerk’s Office tests the voting machines, also known as DS200 tabulators, to make sure they are ready to accurately count votes on Election Day.
After each machine is tested, the machines are secured with scanner and tamper evident seals that are marked with unique serial numbers.
On Election Day, these serial numbers are verified by election officials to make sure the machines have not been tampered with.
Jim Verbick, Deputy Clerk for the City of Madison, said the voting machines have a very reliable track record and if there is an error, it’s usually the voter’s fault, not the machines.
“99.9% of the time, it is our error,” said Verbick. “Usually the machine counts it right.”
With early voting starting on Oct. 25, Verbick said some votes have already started coming in.
“[…] We have had around 16,000 in the first three days,” said Verbick.
Every year leading up to Election Day, the Clerk’s Office receives calls from concerned citizens. This year Verbick said the majority of the calls have been from people who want to make sure their votes are counted.
“We certainly have voters that are concerned, not so much about voter fraud, but is my ballot going to be counted? Did I do it right?” Verbick explained.
Anyone with questions leading up to Election Day can contact the Madison City Clerk’s Office at (608) 266-4601 or visiting www.cityofmadison.com/clerk.