This section defines key election terms used in the chapter, including ballot, ballot box, election administration information system, voting equipment, voting machine, and voting system.
119.005 Definitions for chapter. As used in this chapter: (1) A "ballot" or "official ballot" means the official presentation of offices and candidates to be voted for, including write-in candidates, and all public questions submitted for determination, and shall include a voting machine ballot, a paper ballot, an absentee ballot, a special ballot, a federal provisional ballot, a federal provisional absentee ballot, or a supplemental paper ballot which has been authorized for the use of the voters in any primary or regular or special election by the Secretary of State or the county clerk; (2) "Ballot box" means any box, bag, or other container that can be locked, sealed, or otherwise rendered tamper-resistant, for receiving ballots; (3) "Election administration information system" means any computer-based information technology application used by the Commonwealth in the administration of elections; (4) "Election officer" has the same meaning as in KRS 118.015; (5) "Voting equipment" means any physical component of a voting system and includes voting machines where voting machines are in operation; (6) "Voting machine" or "machine" means a part of a voting system that consists of one (1) or more electronic devices that operate independently or as a combination of a ballot-marking device and an electronic or automatic vote-tabulating device; and (7) "Voting system" means: (a) The total combination of physical, mechanical, electromechanical, or electronic equipment, including the software, hardware, firmware, and documentation required to program, control, and support that equipment, that is used to: 1. Define ballots; 2. Cast and count votes; 3. Report or display election results; and 4. Maintain and produce any audit trail information; and (b) The practices and associated documentation used to: 1. Identify system components and versions of those components; 2. Test the system during its development and maintenance; 3. Maintain records of system errors and defects; 4. Determine specific system changes to be made to a system after the initial qualification of the system; and 5. Make available any materials to the voter, such as notices, instructions, forms, or paper ballots. Effective: April 27, 2024 History: Amended 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 224, sec. 26, effective April 27, 2024. -- Amended 2022 Ky. Acts ch. 87, sec. 24, effective April 7, 2022. -- Amended 2021 Ky. Acts ch. 197, sec. 63, effective June 29, 2021. -- Amended 2020 Ky. Acts ch. 89, sec. 30, effective July 15, 2020. -- Created 1982 Ky. Acts ch. 360, sec. 11, effective July 15, 1982.