Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 183 - RULES OF STATE ELECTION BOARD › Chapter 183-1 - GEORGIA ELECTION CODE › Subject 183-1-12 - PREPARATION FOR AND CONDUCT OF PRIMARIES AND ELECTIONS › Rule 183-1-12-.04 - Storage, Maintenance, and Transport of Statewide Voting System Components

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
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.
O.C.G.A. §
											21-2-31.