Election Security

Election equipment used by the Henry County Office of Elections must meet certain criteria established by the Virginia Department of Elections and the Electoral Board. We constantly strive to ensure our elections and voter information are accurate, secure, and forthright. 

Security Standards Must Be Met:

The Office of Elections together with the Information Technology Department reviews, updates, and certifies compliance with 162 Locality Election Security Standards (LESS) set by the state of Virginia. The Electoral Board annually reviews and certifies this compliance. 

Voting Equipment Security Plan Required:

Under Virginia Code §24.2-625.1(D), the bipartisan Electoral Board must adopt a written plan "to ensure the security and integrity of its electronic voting systems." The Electoral Board certifies this annually.

Voting Equipment Must Be Certified:

The Office of Elections can only use voting systems that have been reviewed and certified by the Virginia Department of Elections. This process requires evaluation and testing prior to every election. Access to voting equipment is restricted. Our voting machines are stand alone and do not connect to the Internet. 

Employees Undergo Security Training:

Staff are required to complete monthly as well as annual training on security protocols to avoid phishing scams, potential threats, and risks to IT Security. 

Logic and Accuracy Testing:

Per Code of Virginia §24.2-629, prior to every election, all voting systems and Electronic Poll Books (1VAC20-60-70) must complete Logic & Accuracy testing to ensure equipment is working properly. Once they are found to be accurate in counting the results, they are sealed for Election Day. 

Risk Limiting Audit (RLA):

Virginia uses a Risk Limiting Audit, a type of post-election audit that utilizes statistical methods and a manual review of paper ballots to confirm that the electronic voting systems accurately reported the correct outcome of an election. (§24.2-671.2)