The El Paso County Elections Department is checking voting machines ahead of Election Day on Nov. 3, a process officials say is designed to verify the equipment’s accuracy and give voters a closer look at how it is tested.
The department conducted a public Logic and Accuracy Test with news reporters present, weeks before voters head to the polls. Testing ensures voting equipment is properly programmed and accurately records and counts votes, according to the Texas Secretary of State.
Representatives of the Republican and Democratic parties were sworn in before testing began, said Melissa Martin, a spokesperson for the department.
“I think it's important in any Texas county to do this testing,” Martin said. “We want voters to trust the system.”
Under Section 129.023 of the Texas Election Code, the official responsible for election records must establish a testing board of at least two people and make every reasonable effort to include a representative from each political party that holds a primary election.
The test must also be open to the public.
Election integrity has remained a subject of national debate since President Donald Trump disputed his loss to Joe Biden in 2020. Trump has continued to claim the election was stolen, though courts, state officials and reviews found no evidence of widespread fraud that would support that claim.
Martin said the department wants voters to understand the testing performed before ballots are cast.
“We want for the voters to trust the system, to know that we do test it prior to early voting and Election Day,” she said.
El Paso Times reached out to the El Paso County Elections Department for final results of the test.
According to the Texas Secretary of State, officials use test ballots with predetermined results to check the voting system. They compare the equipment’s totals with the expected results to identify discrepancies.
The testing includes checking that ballots are programmed and printed correctly and that the equipment accurately marks and counts them. These checks help officials identify problems before the equipment is used by voters.
Natassia Paloma may be reached at npaloma@gannett.com, @NatassiaPaloma on X, natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso puts voting machines to the test ahead of November election
