§ 34-2409 — EXAMINATION OF MACHINES BY SECRETARY OF STATE PRIOR TO CERTIFICATION

(1) The secretary of state shall publicly examine all makes of voting machines or vote tally systems submitted to him and determine whether the machines or vote tally systems comply with the requirements of this chapter and can safely be used by voters at elections under the provisions of this chapter. All voting machines or vote tally systems shall be certified by the secretary of state for use in Idaho. Except for functions or capabilities unique to this state, voting machines and vote tally systems shall be tested by a voting system testing laboratory prior to the examination of voting machines and vote tally systems by the secretary of state.
(2) Any person owning or interested in a voting machine or vote tally system may submit it to the secretary of state for examination. No examination shall be conducted unless documentation is provided indicating that the voting machine or vote tally system meets United States election assistance commission guidelines. For the purpose of assistance in examining the machine or vote tally system, the secretary of state may employ not more than three (3) individuals who are expert in one (1) or more of the fields of data processing, mechanical engineering, and public administration. The compensation of these assistants shall be paid by the person submitting the machine or vote tally system.
(3) Within thirty (30) days after completing the examination of any voting machine or vote tally system, the secretary of state shall make and file in his office his report and determination of certification on the machine or vote tally system, together with a written or printed description and drawings or photographs clearly identifying the machine or vote tally system and the operation thereof. As soon as practicable after such filing, the secretary of state upon request shall send a copy of the report to any governing body within the state.
(4) Any voting machine or vote tally system that receives the certification of the secretary of state may be used for conducting elections in this state. Any machine or vote tally system that does not receive such certification shall not be adopted for or used at any election. After a voting machine or vote tally system has been certified by the secretary of state, any change or improvement in the machine or vote tally system that does not impair its accuracy, efficiency, or capacity shall not render necessary a reexamination or recertification of the machine or vote tally system.
(5) Any voting system, including paper ballots, that was used in the 2004 general election shall be continued to be authorized for use as long as the voting system meets the requirements of the "Help America Vote Act of 2002," Public Law 107-252.
(6) For all elections conducted after 2004, no direct recording electronic voting device shall be used unless the direct recording electronic voting device has a voter verifiable paper audit trail. Any certifications of a direct recording electronic voting device without a voter verifiable paper audit trail are hereby declared null and void.
(7) The secretary of state may periodically review the various voting systems that have been certified for use in the state to ensure such systems meet the guidelines set forth by the United States election assistance commission and the national institute of standards and technology. Any voting system that does not meet such guidelines may be decertified after a public hearing.

Legislative History

[34-2409, added 1970, ch. 140, sec. 140, p. 351; am. 2001, ch. 272, sec. 4, p. 995; am. 2005, ch. 282, sec. 1, p. 918; am. 2007, ch. 202, sec. 8, p. 623; am. 2012, ch. 179, sec. 1, p. 470; am. 2024, ch. 260, sec. 4, p. 903.]