Next week's general election is expected to have the highest turnout on record for King County. Officials are already testing voting machines and making final preparations to ensure the process runs smoothly.
King County conducted logic and accuracy tests during the week of Oct. 13 on machines used to count and record votes at the polls.
On Oct. 31, the county will perform similar tests on the equipment used to count absentee ballots. Officials said once the tests are completed, the machines are locked in a secure location until the morning of Nov. 4.
"We have conducted 21 successful elections and implemented more than 300 reforms since 2005, and we are ready for the November election," said Elections Director Sherril Huff in a statement. "While many of the improvements will go unnoticed, voters should remain confident in the open, transparent and accessible environment that has been created as a result."
"It is a standard pre-election test to ensure that the equipment is calibrated and working," said Bobbie Egan, communications manager for King County Elections. "So far we haven't had a problem."....

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Photo by Julie Keefe

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