Washington Administrative Code
Title 434 - Secretary of State
Chapter 434-261 - Counting center procedures
Section 434-261-045 - Secure storage
Current through Register Vol. 24-06, March 15, 2024
Secure storage is a container or room that stores voted ballots and electronic data containing voted ballot images. Secure storage must employ the use of numbered seals and logs, or other security measures, that document each individual's access to the voted ballots or voted ballot images, and detect inappropriate access to the secure storage. Voted ballots and voted electronic ballot images must remain in secure storage except during processing, duplication, resolution, inspection by the canvassing board, or tabulation. Unsecured ballots must be accompanied by at least two county auditor staff at all times.
A secure location is a room or other facility where programming and equipment used for ballot tabulation are stored. A secure location must use the same security measures as for voted ballots and voted ballot images.
Use of numbered seals requires:
(1) A seal log that documents the numbers of the seals and the individuals applying or removing seals; and
(2) At least two individuals present when seals are applied or removed. Both must sign the seal log.
Closing of unstaffed ballot boxes must follow WAC 434-250-100. Voted ballots and voted ballot images may only be accessed in accordance with RCW 29A.60.110 and 29A.60.125.
Statutory Authority: RCW 29A.04.611. 09-03-110, § 434-261-045, filed 1/21/09, effective 2/21/09; 06-11-042, § 434-261-045, filed 5/10/06, effective 6/10/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 29A.04.611, 29A.04.530. 06-02-028, § 434-261-045, filed 12/28/05, effective 1/28/06.
