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Nevada > Statutes > Mechanical Voting Systems Computer Programs

N.R.S. 293B.130 – Requirements

Overview of Statute

This section requires the preparation of a computer program to be used with mechanical voting systems and governs the functionality of such computer program.

Statute

1.  Before any election where a mechanical voting system is to be used, the county clerk shall prepare or cause to be prepared a computer program on cards, tape or other material suitable for use with the computer or counting device to be employed for counting the votes cast. The program must cause the computer or counting device to operate in the following manner:

      (a) All lawful votes cast by each voter must be counted.

      (b) All unlawful votes, including, but not limited to, overvotes or, in a primary election, votes cast for a candidate of a major political party other than the party, if any, of the registration of the voter must not be counted.

      (c) If the election is:

             (1) A primary election held in an even-numbered year; or

            (2) A general election,

the total votes, other than absentee votes and votes in a mailing precinct, must be accumulated by precinct.

      (d) The computer or counting device must halt or indicate by appropriate signal if a ballot is encountered which lacks a code identifying the precinct in which it was voted and, in a primary election, identifying the major political party of the voter.

2.  The program must be prepared under the supervision of the accuracy certification board appointed pursuant to the provisions of NRS 293B.140.

3.  The county clerk shall take such measures as he or she deems necessary to protect the program from being altered or damaged.

(Added to NRS by 1975, 1525; A 1979, 13041985, 11011987, 3571989, 2291993, 21991995, 26321997, 160834701999, 679)

Definition [County clerk]

Except as the term is used in NRS 293.393, whenever the term “county clerk” is used in this title it means “registrar of voters” in those counties where such office has been created pursuant to the provisions of NRS 244.164.

See Nev. Rev. Stat. § 293.044.

Definition [Political Party]

Any minor or major political party.

See Nev. Rev. Stat. § 293.073.

Definition [General election]

The election held pursuant to NRS 293.12755.

See Nev. Rev. Stat. § 293.060.

Definition [Primary election]

The election held pursuant to NRS 293.175.

See Nev. Rev. Stat. §  293.080.

Definition [Major political party]

Any organization which qualifies as such pursuant to NRS 293.128.

See Nev. Rev. Stat. § 293.0655.

Definition [Mechanical voting system]

A system of voting whereby a voter may cast a vote:

      1.  On a device which mechanically or electronically compiles a total of the number of votes cast for each candidate and for or against each measure voted on; or

      2.  By marking a paper ballot which is subsequently counted on an electronic tabulator, counting device or computer.

See Nev. Rev. Stat. § 293.0659.

Definition [Mail]

The depositing of printed or written matter in a mailbox or post office for delivery by the United States Postal Service.

See Nev. Rev. Stat. § 293.065.

Definition [Clerk]

The election board officer designated or assigned to make the record of the election in the roster, tally list and challenge list in the precinct, district or polling place in which such officer is appointed.

See Nev. Rev. Stat. § 293.040.

Definition [Board]

As used in NRS 295.075 to 295.125, inclusive, unless the context otherwise requires, “board” means the board of county commissioners.

See Nev. Rev. Stat. § 295.075.

Definition [Ballot]

The record of a voter’s preference of candidates and questions voted upon at an election. The term includes, without limitation, any paper given to a voter upon which the voter places his or her vote and any electronic storage tapes.

See Nev. Rev. Stat. § 293.025.

Definition [Precinct]

The smallest voting area in a political subdivision.

See Nev. Rev. Stat. §  293.077.

Definition [Candidate]

Any person:

      1.  Who files a declaration of candidacy;

      2.  Who files an acceptance of candidacy;

      3.  Whose name appears on an official ballot at any election; or

      4.  Who has received one or more contributions in excess of $100, regardless of whether:

      (a) The person has filed a declaration of candidacy or an acceptance of candidacy; or

      (b) The name of the person appears on an official ballot at any election.

See Nev. Rev. Stat. § 294A.005.