Indiana § 3-11-14-17 - Preparation at polls before opening; system check; certification
Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 3-11-14-17 — Preparation at polls before opening; system check; certification, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 3-11-14-17. Preparation at polls before opening; system check; certification
Sec. 17. (a) Before the opening of the polls, each precinct election board shall:
(1) compare the ballot label on each electronic voting system with the sample ballot to see that it is correct;
(2) see that the system records zero (0) votes for each candidate and on each public question; and
(3) see that the system is otherwise in perfect order.
(b) After the system is in perfect order for voting, the precinct election board may not permit the counters to be operated except by voters in voting. The board then shall certify that the ballot labels and the sample ballots are in agreement. Forms shall be provided for certification, and the certification shall be filed with the election returns.
(c) This subsection applies to a county using vote centers. Not later than the first date that a voter may cast a ballot at a vote center, the county election board shall do both of the following:
(1) Make the comparison between the sample ballots, regular official ballots, and provisional ballots described in subsection (a).
(2) Certify that the ballots are in agreement.
A copy of the certification shall be entered into the minutes of the county election board.
(d) This subsection applies to a county using vote centers. The county election board shall do all of the following:
(1) Have copies of each sample ballot for each precinct available for inspection by a voter at each vote center.
(2) Post a notice in the vote center stating that sample ballots are available for inspection upon request by the voter.
(3) Determine that the system records that zero (0) votes have been cast for each candidate and on each public question, and that the system is otherwise in perfect order. Each precinct election board shall then certify that the ballot labels are in order.
As added by P.L.3-1987, SEC.327. Amended by P.L.278-2019, SEC.110; P.L.227-2023, SEC.104; P.L.9-2024, SEC.24.
Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 3-11-14-17
What does Indiana Code § 3-11-14-17 cover?
Section 3-11-14-17 ("Preparation at polls before opening; system check; certification") is part of the Indiana Code, the codified statutory law of Indiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Indiana § 3-11-14-17?
A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 3-11-14-17" (Indiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Indiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Indiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Indiana attorney.
How does Indiana § 3-11-14-17 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Indiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Indiana.