Voting Equipment Safeguards
Utah Voting Equipment & Security Safeguards
Ensuring the Integrity of Every Vote
Utah ensures the integrity and security of its elections by following strict procedures for the testing, certification, and use of voting equipment. Equipment used to scan ballots or tabulate votes has never been connected to the Internet and never will be.
In accordance with Utah Code 20A-5-8, all voting systems must be certified by the United States Election Assistance Commission (EAC) and examined to meet state standards for accuracy, reliability, and accessibility. This process includes pre-election logic and accuracy testing, secure handling and storage protocols, and post-election audits where applicable. These measures are designed to safeguard voter confidence and ensure that every ballot is counted as intended. All updates to election equipment and software must be manually applied by authorized personnel.
Equipment Security & Auditing Processes
Cyber & Physical Security
Can equipment be hacked or manipulated? No.
Equipment that counts votes is NEVER connected to the Internet. County Clerks use multiple digital and physical security layers, including tamper-evident election seals and human observation. Only trained, authorized personnel have physical access.
Pre-Election Testing
Can equipment be configured to favor a candidate? No.
Before vote tabulation, each machine undergoes an internal test and a publicly noticed Logic and Accuracy Test. A test deck of pre-voted ballots is processed to ensure the tabulated results perfectly match predetermined outcomes.
Post-Election Audits
Could equipment incorrectly tabulate votes? No.
Before certification, clerk staff audit a random sample of all ballots cast in a public meeting. They manually review and compare paper ballots to the system-tabulated records. Results are reported to the Board of Canvassers and Lieutenant Governor.
Staff Integrity
Can election workers manipulate ballots? No.
County Clerks process ballots using a minimum of two trained, sworn election workers. Processing is always conducted within public view under strict controls. Results are never compiled or viewed until after polls close on election night.
Equipment Safeguards
Software Validation (HB 313)
In addition to the requirement that all voting equipment and software be certified by the United States Election Assistance Commission (EAC), election software must also undergo validation both at the time of initial installation and again before every major election. These pre-election reviews are known as Logic and Accuracy (L&A) tests, and the public is welcome to attend and observe each county’s L&A process. To further ensure integrity, the Office of the Lieutenant Governor conducts random, software validations statewide to continually guarantee that no malicious code is present on systems used to tabulate votes.
Certified Voting Equipment
Below is a list of EAC certified voting equipment, software, and system updates that are currently in use in Utah.
Election Systems & Software (ES&S) Active
System Versions: EVS 6.3.0.0 & EVS 6.5.0.0
Software:
- Electionware 6300 & 6500
- ToolBox 4.2.0.0, 4.3.0.0, 4.4.0.0 & 4.5.0.0
- ExpressLink 3.0.0.0 & 3.1.0.0
Equipment: DS200, DS300, ExpressVote 1.0, 2.0, & 3.0, DS450, DS850 & DS950
BOD: Balotar 3.15
Applicable ECOs for UT 6300 & 6500:
1154, 1182, 1185, 1186, 1190, 1193, 1043, 1103, 1151, 1156, 1174, 1177, 1178
ECOs still applicable in Utah: 1000, 1054, 1016, 1062, 1068, 1141
Liberty Vote (Dominion Voting Systems) Active
System Version: Democracy Suite 5.17s and 5.20
ES&S Systems No Longer In Use Inactive
System Versions: EVS 5.2.1.0, 5.2.2.0, 5.4.0.0, 6.0.0.0, 6.1.0.0, 6.1.1.0, 6.2.0.0
Resources & Navigation
Voter Registration
Learn about the safeguards in place to protect and verify voter registration data across the state of Utah.
Ballot Processing
Discover the physical and digital controls used during the processing and tabulating of election ballots.
Voter Responsibility
Read about your rights and responsibilities as a voter to help maintain a secure election environment.
Contact Your Clerk
If you have more election questions or would like to make a suggestion, please reach out to your local county clerk.