Daily Closing; Inspection

(1) At the close of business for each early voting day, the registrar and at least one early voting official representing each political party shall perform the following inspections: PROCEDURES FOR EARLY VOTING ON MECHANICAL CHAPTER 1360-2-15 LEVER MACHINES (a) For each machine, the number on the public counter and protective counter as well as the seal numbers on the back door and the custodian’s seal on the inside face of the machine shall be recorded on the daily inspection sheet. (b) The number of machine applications for that day for each machine shall be counted and recorded on the daily inspection sheet. The numbers shall be audited for accuracy. (c) Upon determining that the numbers all agree, the machine shall be locked and sealed. The seal numbers shall be recorded on the Daily Machine Certification. The machine shall not be set in the “polls closed” position. The registrar and at least one election official representing each political party shall sign the closing inspection certifying that this was accomplished. If the numbers do not agree, a report shall be completed detailing the variations and the machine technician shall inspect the machine prior to any additional use in order to make sure it is in proper working order. (2) Daily opening inspections and daily closing inspections shall be completed throughout the entire early voting period through the 5th day prior to the election. (3) Notwithstanding the above provisions, between the close of early voting and election day, county election commissions have the discretion to continue to use voting machines to accommodate those individuals who need to vote absentee because of one of the emergency circumstances listed under T.C.A. §2-6-401. If the commission chooses to do so, all the procedures for daily opening and closing inspections and safeguarding the machines shall be followed on those days as well.