Government » Affiliated Agencies » Election Board

Voting Machines

Font Size: + -
Share & Bookmark, Press Enter to show all options, press Tab go to next option
Print
 
Covering all the topics below:

Voting Rights

  • You can vote in the voting machine if your complete voter registration information is in the poll book.
  • You can vote in the voting machine if you currently live in the election district or moved out of Somerset County after the close of registration for this election. (Thereafter you must be registered in your new county).
    You can vote in the voting machine if there are no successful challenges to your right to vote.
  • You have the right to vote in private in the voting machine.
  • You have the right to bring voting materials into the voting booth to help you vote.
  • You have the right to a “reasonable” amount of time to cast your votes.
  • You have the right to vote if you are in line at the time the polls close.

Emergency Ballots

  • Emergency ballots are used ONLY if the voting machine malfunctions. If the voting machine malfunctions and cannot quickly be repaired, the voter will be issued an emergency ballot.
  • The poll worker must first call the Somerset County Board of Elections for authorization to use this paper ballot.
  • Once the ballot is voted, the voter will seal the ballot in an envelope provided by the poll worker. The poll worker will then put the sealed envelope in the ballot bag located on the table next to the voting machine. The emergency ballot will be returned to the Board of Elections at the close of the polls.
  • If you spoil the emergency ballot while voting it, you have the right to ask the poll worker for another ballot.

Provisional Ballots
  • A provisional ballot is typically issued when for some reason the voter is not permitted to vote on the voting machine.
  • You must vote by provisional ballot if you are a registered voter in Somerset County who moved within the county and did not notify the Board of Elections before election day of your new address.
  • You must vote by provisional ballot if your registration information in the poll book is not complete. This includes, but is not limited to a missing address or a missing signature.
  • You must vote by provisional ballot if you are a first-time registrant by mail after January 1, 2003 who has not provided identification information.
  • If your voter registration form is missing ID, ID must be submitted to the Somerset County Board of Elections by the close of business on the second day after the election.
  • If you are issued a provisional ballot, the poll worker will provide you with a place to vote the ballot in secret.
    Once the provisional ballot is voted, place it in the envelope provided and sign and complete the “Affirmation Statement” that is attached. If the voter does not sign the “Affirmation Statement” the ballot will not be counted.
    The provisional ballot is then placed in the ballot bag by either the voter or the poll worker.
  • If you spoil the provisional ballot while voting it, you have the right to ask the poll worker for another ballot.

Voting Instructions
  • After entering the polling site, locate the table with your district. Give the poll worker the name as you are registered. Sign in on the E-Poll Book.
  • The poll worker will then have you fill out a Voting Authority slip. When this is complete, the poll worker will then hand your your voting authority and your blank ballot card; you may then take your place in line to enter the poll booth.
  • Enter the booth and insert the blank ballot card to activate the machine.
  • Touch the box containing the candidate of your choice; the box will turn GREEN signifying your selection.
  • To change your selection, touch the box again and the box will turn WHITE, and you may make a new selection.
  • To write in candidate, select the Write-In Box across from the office you wish to write-in.
  • A keyboard will appear.
  • Type in the first and last name of the person you wish to write-in.
  • Touch "ACCEPT". Your write-in choice will appear on the ballot.
  • When you have completed your selections, touch the "PRINT BALLOT" button to view your selections on the window panel to the right, to ensure it represents your selections accurately.
  • To make changes before printing your paper ballot, touch "RETURN TO BALLOT".
  • To record your vote, touch the "CAST VOTE" button only if what is displayed accurately reflects your choices.
  • To change your selections after printing, touch "QUIT", and the poll worker will be signaled to assist you.

 

The Somerset County Board Of Elections has been using ExpressVote XL Voting machines for more than two years. These voting machines have received both Federal and State certification and approval for use in elections. ExpressVote XL voting machines proprietary firmware provides a high-level of security. The ExpressVote XL has a full-face, 32" touch screen ballot. It provides a full-face ballot on a single screen or multiple screens if required. The ExpressVote XL captures a voter's choices by marking a ballot activation card while also tabulating the vote data for later collection and reporting. With this system, voters may cat their vote choices independently either via the touch -operated screen or the Universal Voting Console (Audio Kit) Our ballots feature easy-to-read type and all machines are completely wheel chair accessible while being easy to operate and maintain. A built-in 14+hour battery back up provides uninterrupted service in the event of electrical failure. Somerset County uses this state of the art equipment to provide our voters with a smooth, accurate worry free voting experience. We will continue throughout the year to make available the best possible means for our voters to have a safe, fair election process.