This browser does not support the Video element.
California mandates ballot-counting machine tests prior to elections
The State of California requires every election office to test ballot-counting machines at least 7 days prior to every election. On Friday, Contra Costa County tested its machines with 25,000 test ballots. KTVU watched the process along with election observers.
MARTINEZ, Calif. - Ballot-counting machines were running in Contra Costa County on Friday as the elections office conducted a state-mandated test designed to ensure the accuracy and security of its voting equipment.
California election law requires every county elections office to conduct a logic and accuracy test at least seven days before an election. The process is intended to confirm that ballot scanners and tabulators are working properly.
Inside a secured vote-counting room at the Contra Costa County Elections Office in Martinez, election workers processed thousands of test ballots Friday.
"We absolutely have to guarantee that the equipment we use for the election works the way that it should and the public can have confidence in that," Contra Costa County Clerk Kristin B. Connelly said.
The 25,000 ballots used in Friday’s test were created specifically for the logic and accuracy testing required by the state.
2026 Election Voter Guide: What’s on the California midterm election ballot?
Election Day is less than one month away. Here's a look at the key state and local races, how to register to vote, how to track your ballot and more.
How the accuracy test works
Local perspective:
"We run a designated number of ballots, pre-marked test ballots, through every scanner to prove our scanners and tabulators are working as expected," said Helen Nolan, assistant registrar for Contra Costa County.
Ballots with questionable markings were sent to an adjudication room, where teams of two election workers reviewed them to determine whether the voter’s intent was clear.
Markings that clearly indicated a voter’s choice were counted, while ballots with markings that did not show voter intent were not counted.
Public can observe the process
The testing process is open to the public, allowing observers to watch the process from beginning to end and verify whether the machines’ results match the predetermined totals.
Contra Costa County also has an election observer program that allows residents to learn more about election security. On Friday, some voters visited the elections office to confirm that their ballots were properly marked before placing them in drop boxes.
"I marked my ballot with a magic marker and the ink bled through, but she said it was OK, so my ballot will be marked, and it will be counted," Martinez voter Carol Bartlett said.
Gov. Gavin Newsom weighs mass commutation of California's death row sentences
Having already instituted a moratorium on executions in California, Gov. Gavin Newsom indicated he is considering taking a far more drastic step: commuting the sentences of all 563 individuals currently on the state's death row.
Election officials prepare for turnout
What's next:
Election officials said they are preparing for a strong turnout in the midterm gubernatorial election.
"We’re planning for a 70% turnout, but I would love for voters to surprise us," Connelly said.
Officials said the machines completed the test accurately.
Three weeks ago, California enacted additional laws aimed at strengthening election security and preventing unauthorized interference with ballots.
On Election Day, members of the public can observe the ballot-counting process. Many elections offices have designated viewing areas or cameras that livestream the count.
The Source: This story is based on interviews with Contra Costa County election officials and a voter, as well as observations from the county’s logic and accuracy test.