(1) Each county shall prepare a matrix of the test pattern used to mark the test deck of ballots for the official logic and accuracy test. The matrix shall consist of a spreadsheet listing the number of votes cast for each candidate and responses for and against each measure in each precinct or ballot style. The matrix shall include:
(a) For every precinct or ballot style, the first response position of every race or measure shall be marked so the total votes cast for the first candidate of a race or the first response to a measure equals the total number of precincts or ballot styles being tested for that contest or measure;
(b) Two votes for the second response position, three votes for the third response position, four votes for the fourth response position, continuing the pattern for all of the response positions including the response position for write-ins when a write-in response position is present;
(c) One overvote in each race or measure;
(d) For each tabulator's test deck:
(i) One blank ballot; and
(ii) At least one of each type of ballot to be used during the election including ballots on demand, alternative language ballots, electronically marked ballots, and electronically duplicated ballots.
(e) Unique results for all responses within a race or measure, including write-ins. Additional ballots must be added to the test deck in the following circumstances:
(i) Within a race or measure, more than one response has the same results;
(ii) A candidate appears in two different races on the same ballot; and
(iii) More than one measure appears on a ballot within the same jurisdiction.
(2) A copy of the county's test matrix and a sample ballot shall be sent to the office of the secretary of state by the fourteenth day prior to the official logic and accuracy test for a state primary or general election. The office of the secretary of state shall review the provided matrix to determine if it is prepared in accordance with this section.
(3) The county auditor shall produce a test deck of ballots based on the test matrix to be used in the official logic and accuracy test for every primary and election.
[Statutory Authority: RCW
29A.04.611. WSR 21-21-001, § 434-335-323, filed 10/6/21, effective 11/6/21. Statutory Authority: RCW
29A.04.611 and
29A.04.620. WSR 16-13-063, § 434-335-323, filed 6/13/16, effective 7/14/16. Statutory Authority: RCW
29A.04.611. WSR 14-06-040, § 434-335-323, filed 2/26/14, effective 3/29/14.]