1. A. Processing Test Deck.

   1. (1) The test shall be conducted by processing a separate test deck for each ballot style.
   2. (2) For a precinct tabulator used as a precinct tabulator, the test deck shall include the ballot style or styles for that precinct.
   3. (3) For a tabulator used as a counting center tabulator, the test deck shall include all ballot styles for that election.

2. B. Scope of Test Script.

   1. (1) For each ballot marking device that will be used in a voting location, the test script shall be capable of certifying that:

      1. (a) All contests for each ballot style can be selected; and
      2. (b) The printer accurately prints all selections for each ballot style for which the ballot shall be used.
   2. (2) For a precinct tabulator that will be used in a voting location, the test script shall be capable of certifying that all contests for each ballot style can be accurately scanned and tabulated.

3. C. Test Results. If the voting system does not accurately count the test deck:

   1. (1) The cause for the error shall be ascertained and corrected; and
   2. (2) An errorless count shall be made before the voting system may be used in vote counting.

Authority: Election Law Article, §§2-102(b)(4), 2-202(b), 9-102, 9-105, and 11-201, and Title 9, Subtitle 2, Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date:

Regulations .01—.07 and Regulations .09—.29 adopted effective April 11, 2016 (43:7 Md. R. 452)

Regulation .17F amended effective February 10, 2020 (47:3 Md. R. 173)

Regulation .18 amended effective July 10, 2023 (50:13 Md. R. 514)

Regulation .30 adopted effective September 29, 2025 (52:19 Md. R. 957)