CERA - Certified Elections Registration Administrator Ballot Management and Tabulation Questions and Answers

Question 1

During a public Logic and Accuracy (L&A) test before an election, a tabulation machine incorrectly reads several ballots from a pre-marked test deck.
What is the most appropriate immediate action for the election administrator to take?

Accepted Answer

Document the error, immediately remove the specific machine from service for the upcoming election, and repeat the full test on a replacement machine.

Answer

Manually adjust the final count on the results tape to match the expected outcome and certify the machine for use.

Answer

Proceed with the election, but post a notice at the polling place informing voters that the machine may have issues.

Answer

Cancel the public test and reschedule it for after the election to avoid causing public concern.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of maintaining a strict chain of custody for voted ballots?

Accepted Answer

To create a chronological, verifiable audit trail that accounts for the possession and transfer of ballots at all times, ensuring their integrity.

Answer

To ensure the fastest possible transport of ballots from polling places to the central tabulation center.

Answer

To track the work efficiency of the bipartisan teams responsible for transporting ballots.

Answer

To allow public observers to handle and inspect ballot containers during transport.

Question 3

An election official is processing absentee ballot return envelopes and finds a signature that does not appear to match the signature on file for the voter. According to widespread best practices, what should be the official's next step?

Accepted Answer

Have the mismatched signature reviewed by a bipartisan team of trained election officials for secondary verification.

Answer

Immediately reject the ballot and set it aside as invalid without further action.

Answer

Contact the voter's registered political party to ask for verification of the voter's signature.

Answer

Count the ballot but flag the voter's record for removal from the registration list after the election.

Question 4

What is the primary objective of conducting a Risk-Limiting Audit (RLA) following an election?

Accepted Answer

To provide strong statistical evidence that the reported election outcome is correct, or to trigger a full recount if a discrepancy is found.

Answer

To re-tabulate every ballot cast in the election by hand to produce a new, more accurate result.

Answer

To identify and prosecute individuals who may have attempted to vote more than once.

Answer

To test the functionality of tabulation machines before they are deployed for early voting.

Question 5

In the post-election ballot reconciliation process for a precinct, what is the main goal?

Accepted Answer

To ensure that all ballots issued to the precinct are accounted for by balancing voted, spoiled, provisional, and unused ballots against the total number received.

Answer

To determine the final vote margin for each candidate in that specific precinct.

Answer

To publicly announce the number of spoiled and provisional ballots.

Answer

To identify which poll workers were most efficient in processing voters.

Question 6

When designing an official ballot for an optical scan tabulation system, which of the following is a critical technical requirement for ensuring accuracy?

Accepted Answer

Placing timing marks and vote target areas in precise locations that align with the scanner's specifications.

Answer

Using glossy paper to prevent smudging from ink pens.

Answer

Including the official seal of the jurisdiction in the background of each contest.

Answer

Arranging candidates in alphabetical order, regardless of office or party.

During a public Logic and Accuracy (L&A) test before an election, a tabulation machine incorrectly reads several ballots from a pre-marked test deck.What is the most appropriate immediate action for the election administrator to take?

During a public Logic and Accuracy (L&A) test before an election, a tabulation machine incorrectly reads several ballots from a pre-marked test deck.
What is the most appropriate immediate action for the election administrator to take?