Sec 16-444. Definitions; applicability of general laws

A. In this article, unless the context otherwise requires:

1. "Ballot" means a paper ballot on which votes are recorded, or alternatively may mean ballot cards and ballot labels.

2. "Ballot card" means a tabulating card on which votes may be recorded by means of punching or marking.

3. "Ballot labels" means the cards, papers, booklet, pages or other material containing the names of offices and candidates and the statements of measures to be voted on, which are placed on the voting device.

4. "Computer program" includes all programs and documentation adequate to process the ballots at an equivalent counting center.

5. "Counting center" means one or more locations selected by the board of supervisors for the automatic counting of ballots.

6. "Electronic voting system" means a system in which votes are recorded on a paper ballot or ballot cards by means of marking or punching, and such votes are subsequently counted and tabulated by vote tabulating equipment at one or more counting centers.

7. "Instructions and procedures manual" means the manual prepared for use as a guide for the conduct of elections by an approved electronic voting system, including, but not limited to, detailed instructions for the performance of each task relating to the collection of ballots and the counting of votes in a manner which will provide maximum security, efficiency and accuracy.

8. "Vote tabulating equipment" includes apparatus necessary to automatically examine and count votes as designated on ballots or ballot cards and tabulate the results.

9. "Voting device" means an apparatus which the voter uses to record his votes by marking or punching a hole in a paper ballot or tabulating card, which votes are subsequently counted by electronic tabulating equipment.

B. The provisions of all state laws relating to elections not inconsistent with this article apply to all elections where electronic or electromechanical tabulating devices are used. Any provision of law which conflicts with this article shall not apply to the elections in which electronic or electromechanical tabulating devices are used.