VBM RETURN ENVELOPE SCANNING & SORTING PROCEDURES
ALAMEDA COUNTY REGISTRAR OF VOTERS
VBM Scan & Sorting: Complete the first sorting Pass, upload the scanning data to the Election Management System, and complete the second sorting Pass.
| VBM Ballot Envelopes |
Scan and Sorting |
| First Sort Pass |
- The ballot return envelopes are run through a ballot sorting machine, which reads the barcode on the outside of the envelope connected to the voter and credits that ballot as returned.
- Captures an image of the return envelope and voter’s signature.
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| Upload Scanning Data |
- Upload the scanning data into the Election Management System for signature verification.
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| Signature Verification |
- Election staff visually compare the voter’s signature captured on the return envelope to their voter registration images.
- If a match is determined, the ballot is flagged as “Good” and is ready for the next step in the process.
- If it is not a match or missing a signature, the ballot is flagged as "Challenged," and the signature verification procedures are followed.
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| Second Sort Pass |
- Ballot return envelopes are rerun through the sorter. The sorter:
- Sorts the ballots by “Good” and “Challenged.”
- Sorts the “Good” ballots by precinct.
- Slices open the “Good” ballots for extraction during the opening process.
- Challenged ballots are pulled to notify the voter to correct their signature.
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| Store Sorted Ballots for Opening |
- Transport the sorted ballots by precinct to the secured Vote by Mail Processing Room for extraction.
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