Fort Smith – On Wednesday, Sebastian County election officials invited the public to inspect the county’s voting machines, showing how the equipment is sealed, logged and programmed without any internet connection. Election coordinator Manda Cravey explained that the hands‑on test is part of a multi‑week process designed to guarantee accuracy and security before the November 3 general election.

Public inspection and security seals

County staff displayed the machines inside a locked cage, each unit bearing tamper‑evident seals on every gate. Cravey noted that a detailed log records who accesses the equipment and why, providing a clear audit trail. “We keep everything sealed,” she said, emphasizing that the seals are checked regularly to ensure no unauthorized handling.

Manual programming, no internet link

All voting machines are programmed by hand using a thumb drive. The ExpressVote ballot‑marking device and the DS200 tabulator are loaded with the same ballot files that will be used on Election Day. Because the machines are never connected to the internet, the risk of remote hacking is eliminated.

Testing every possible outcome

Cravey described the exhaustive testing routine: once ballots are approved, staff build every possible ballot configuration, including all seven Fort Smith mayoral candidates and every other race on the ballot. Each configuration is run through the machines to verify that every vote is counted correctly.

Key dates for voters

Sebastian County reminds residents that the deadline to register to vote is October 5. Early voting begins on October 19, and the general election is scheduled for November 3. The county encourages all eligible voters to take advantage of early‑voting locations and to verify their registration status ahead of the deadline.

Why the public test matters

By allowing citizens to see the machines up close, the county aims to build confidence in the electoral process. Transparency, combined with rigorous offline testing, aligns with the community’s desire for trustworthy elections and reinforces the integrity of each vote.

For more information on registration, early‑voting sites, or to schedule a visit to the testing area, residents can contact the Sebastian County Election Office.

Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.