Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 183-1-12-.04 - Storage, Maintenance, and Transport of Statewide Voting System Components

1. The election superintendent of the county shall maintain all components of the voting system (including electronic ballot markers, ballot scanners, electronic poll books, and election management systems) in accordance with the requirements of this rule, the directives of the Secretary of State, and the specifications and requirements of the manufacturer.

2. All electronic components of the voting system shall be stored in a climate controlled space in which the temperature and humidity levels are maintained at acceptable levels year-round which shall not be lower than 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit) nor higher than 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) and not lower than 20 percent relative humidity and not higher than 85 percent relative humidity such that no condensation forms on such components. The components shall not be stored in an area in which liquids or fluids stand, pool, or accumulate at any time or in areas that are subject to such standing, pooling, or accumulating liquids or fluids. The space in which the components are stored shall be secured and shall be accessible only to persons authorized by the election superintendent to have access to such components or such space. The components shall be stored in a manner that ensures that the components are protected from damage and shall not be stacked more than four units high. The back-up battery for the ballot scanner shall be charged at least every 9 months.

3. The storage areas for the voting system components at the county election office or other designated county facility shall be equipped with one or more of the following forms of electronic surveillance and protection: keypads or electronic locks, motion detectors, video surveillance, or a security system that is connected to an outside monitoring source, such as the police department or fire department.

4. The election Superintendent shall maintain numbered seals on all electronic ballot markers and ballot scanners in storage and all seal numbers shall be recorded and on file in the office of the election superintendent.

5. All components of the voting system shall be securely transported to polling places. Electronic ballot markers (including printers) and ballot scanners shall be transported in secure boxes or carrying cases that provide vibration and impact protection.

6. Upon delivery to a polling place in preparation for a primary, election, or runoff, all components of the voting system shall be secured and protected from unauthorized access. Upon delivery, the components shall either be stored in a locked, secure room at the polling place; in a locked, secure container that is reasonably affixed to the polling place; be under visual surveillance of an election official or their designee, law enforcement official, or licensed security guard; or, if the previously listed options are not feasible, in another manner, that in the reasonable judgement of the superintendent, secures and protects the voting system components from unauthorized access. Any electronic visual surveillance used for security when voting is not taking place shall not record, capture, or otherwise compromise the privacy of an elector's ballot.

7. The expenses for the implementation of the storage and security requirements of this rule shall be the responsibility of the county or municipal governing authority, as applicable, unless such security features are provided by the State.

8. Maintenance of Voting System Components. After the end of the initial warranty period for state owned voting system components, the county shall be responsible for maintaining an appropriate warranty or otherwise be responsible for maintenance and upkeep of such devices, including the repair and/or replacement of any devices which are destroyed, damaged, or otherwise rendered incapable of use in elections.

Notes

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 183-1-12-.04

O.C.G.A. § 21-2-31.

Original Rule entitled "Certification of Program Instructions" was filed on July 24, 1968; effective August 12, 1968. Repealed: New Rule entitled "Storage, Maintenance, and Transport of Statewide Voting System Components" adopted. F. Jan. 23, 2020; eff. Feb. 12, 2020. Amended: F. Mar. 2, 2020; eff. Mar. 22, 2020.