(A) As used in this section, "voting system" means:

(1) the total combination of mechanical, electromechanical, or electronic equipment, including the software, firmware, and documentation required to program, control, and support the equipment that is used to:

(a) define ballots;

(b) cast and count votes;

(c) report or display election results; and

(d) maintain and produce audit trail information;

(2) the practices and associated documentation used to:

(a) identify system components and versions of these components;

(b) test the system during its development and maintenance;

(c) maintain records of system errors and defects;

(d) determine specific system changes to be made to a system after the initial qualification of the system; and

(e) make available materials to the voter, such as notices, instructions, forms, or paper ballots.

(B) The State Election Commission shall:

(1) either approve and adopt one voting system to be used by authorities charged by law with conducting elections, or approve and adopt multiple voting systems if the commission, in its discretion, determines not to adopt one voting system;

(2) support the authorities charged by law with conducting elections by providing basic level training for personnel in the operation of the voting system approved and adopted by the commission;

(3) support all aspects of creating the ballots and the database of the voting system that is approved and adopted; and

(4) comply with the provisions of Chapter 35 of Title 11 in procuring a voting system or systems, as defined in subsection (A).

HISTORY: 2005 Act No. 63, Section 1, eff May 16, 2005.