A form of produced in the form of a paper tape similar to an adding machine ZERO REPORT tape. See, e.g. Utah Admin. Rule §623-2-3(K). "No mark sense or direct recording electronic device shall be used if any counter, other than a protective or private counter, is found not to register zero." Va. Code §24.2-639. A "tape printed out by the DRE unit which shows that all vote registers in the DRE unit for recording votes for candidates and questions are set to zero and that no votes are present on the unit." Ga. SBE Rule 183-1-12-.02(1)(k).
What is a zero tape in an election?
The term Zero Tape refers to a pre-election report or tape from voting equipment showing that vote counters begin at zero before ballots are cast or tabulated. It gives election, security, legal, or technical readers a specific label for the concept rather than a broader everyday meaning.
When is a zero tape printed?
The term Zero Tape is used when the relevant election, security, or administrative process calls for a pre-election report or tape from voting equipment showing that vote counters begin at zero before ballots are cast or tabulated. The exact trigger, timing, and responsible official are set by the governing procedure or standard.
Why do election officials use zero tapes?
Understanding Zero Tape matters because election records and results need to be traceable, reviewable, and handled consistently. Here, the term refers to a pre-election report or tape from voting equipment showing that vote counters begin at zero before ballots are cast or tabulated.
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A form of produced in the form of a paper tape similar to an adding machine ZERO REPORT tape. See, e.g. Utah Admin. Rule §623-2-3(K). "No mark sense or direct recording electronic device shall be used if any counter, other than a protective or private counter, is found not to register zero." Va. Code §24.2-639. A "tape printed out by the DRE unit which shows that all vote registers in the DRE unit for recording votes for candidates and questions are set to zero and that no votes are present on the unit." Ga. SBE Rule 183-1-12-.02(1)(k).
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Zero Tape. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 20, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/zero-tape
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