Legal Definitions - zero tape

Definition: Zero tape, also known as a zero report, is a document generated by electronic voting machines that indicates that the machine has no votes recorded at the start of an election. It is required by many states to ensure that the machines start counting from zero. The zero tape is used to compare the initial count to the final vote tally to check for errors or to comply with state-mandated audits of election results.

During an election, a poll worker retrieves a zero tape from an electronic voting machine. The tape shows that the machine has no votes recorded, indicating that the machine is starting from zero. This ensures that the machine is functioning properly and that the vote count is accurate.

The zero tape is an important tool in ensuring the integrity of the election process. By starting from zero, the machine can accurately record each vote and prevent errors or discrepancies in the final vote tally.