Section 9Sec./Art. 9

Examination and Testing of Counting Machines. Seven (7) working days before the election, the Commission shall, on a date and time it shall set and with proper notices to the political parties and candidates, allow them or their representatives to examine and test the machines to ascertain that the machines are operating properly and accurately. Sample ballots for testing purposes shall be provided by the Commission. In the preparation of the design of the official ballot, the representative of the majority party and dominant minority party shall be present.

After the examination and testing, the machines shall be locked and sealed by the Election Officer in the presence of the political parties and candidates or their representatives. The keys to the machine shall be placed in a sealed envelope and shall be kept by the Election Officer. The machines shall be kept locked and sealed and shall be opened again only at three oclock in the afternoon of election day before the counting of votes begins.

The parties and candidates or their representatives may submit a written report to the Commission through the Election Officer, immediately after the examination and testing of the machines.