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-.06 - Handling of Voting System

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
1. All personnel, with the exception of the
				permanent employees of the Office of the Secretary of State and permanent
				employees of the county or municipal election superintendent, who prepare
				voting equipment for use in a primary, election, or runoff shall complete an
				oath of custodian before each election. One copy of the oath shall be placed on
				file in the office of the election superintendent and an additional copy shall
				be filed with the records for the election filed with the clerk of superior
				court or the municipal clerk, as appropriate. The oath of custodian shall be in
				the following form:
STATE OF GEORGIA
COUNTY/MUNICIPALITY OF _______________________
OATH OF CUSTODIANS AND DEPUTY CUSTODIANS OF GEORGIA VOTING
				  SYSTEM
I, _________________________, do swear (or affirm) that I
				  will as a (deputy) custodian of the voting systems for the County/Municipality
				  of ___________________, faithfully perform all of my duties in accordance with
				  state law; that I will prepare in accordance with all applicable rules and
				  regulations governing the use of the voting system all components to be used in
				  primaries, elections, and runoffs in this county/municipality; that I will use
				  my best endeavors to prevent any fraud, deceit, or abuse in carrying out my
				  duties while preparing the voting system for use in primaries, elections, and
				  runoffs; and that I am not disqualified by law to hold the position of (deputy)
				  custodian.
_________________________________
(Deputy) Custodian
Administered by, sworn to,
and subscribed before me,
this ____ day of _____, 20__
Superintendent
(Required by O.C.G.A. Section
				  21-2-379.6(b))
2. Any electronic ballot markers, ballot
				scanners, electronic poll books, ballot boxes and accessories that are removed
				from storage for educational or training purposes must be signed in and out on
				an equipment log maintained by the election superintendent. The log shall
				contain, at a minimum, a description of the item being checked out, including
				any serial number or identifying number; the date and time when the item is
				checked out; the name of the person checking out the item; and the date and
				time when the item is returned to storage. The items checked out of storage
				shall remain in the custody and control of the person checking out the items at
				all times and the person checking out the items shall personally return such
				items. Each person who utilizes equipment for educational or training purposes
				must be adequately trained in the use of the equipment prior to the release of
				the equipment into such person's custody.
3. Should it become necessary to relocate an
				election management system computer or any of its components from one facility
				to another, the election superintendent shall notify the Secretary of State in
				advance in writing of the reason for the relocation and the proposed new
				location. The election management system shall not be relocated unless and
				until written authorization for the relocation is received from the Secretary
				of State except in the event of an emergency situation beyond the control of
				the election superintendent. If an emergency arises causing the election
				management system to be moved, the election superintendent is responsible to
				notify the Secretary of State as soon as possible of the move.
4. The poll manager shall sign a receipt for
				components of the voting system assigned to such poll manager's precinct. Upon
				returning election supplies to the election superintendent's office following
				the close of the polls, the poll manager shall account for all such items and
				shall certify that all such items have been returned or shall describe any
				missing items and explain why such items have not been returned. The Secretary
				of State shall prepare and provide a chain of custody sheet for this
				purpose.
5. All voting system
				components and other equipment assigned to designated county election
				technicians shall be accounted for on the night of a primary, election, or
				runoff and shall be returned to storage. Each technician shall sign a receipt
				for all such items issued to such technician and, upon returning such items to
				the election superintendent's office following the close of the polls, the
				technician shall account for all such items and shall certify that all such
				items have been returned or shall describe any missing items and explain why
				such items have not been returned. The Secretary of State shall prepare and
				provide a chain of custody sheet for this purpose.
6. The election superintendent shall notify
				the Secretary of State of any instances of unaccounted for components of the
				voting system as soon as possible.
7. The election superintendent shall perform
				an audit count of all voting system components housed and maintained by the
				jurisdiction on an annual basis. The results of the audit shall be submitted to
				the Secretary of State.
O.C.G.A.
				  §§
											21-2-31,
				  21-2-379.6.