Hamilton County's elections chief says none of the county's voting equipment can connect to the internet, and enough ballots have been printed for every registered voter ahead of Tuesday's midterm election.

Sherry Poland, director of the Hamilton County Board of Elections, made the statements during a public test of the county's central tabulation system, WLWT reported Oct. 29.

"The system cannot be hacked because none of the pieces of voting equipment … have the capability to be connected to the internet," Poland said, according to WLWT.

The test was one in a series of logic and accuracy checks performed throughout the election cycle, Poland said. Staff test every piece of equipment, down to the power cords, before sending it to the county's 563 precincts. A bipartisan team handles ballot transport on election night.

Several east-side communities have local questions on the Nov. 3 ballot. Terrace Park has a renewal levy for general operating expenses. Mariemont voters face a renewal for permanent improvements. Madeira residents will decide on Issue 16, a set of charter amendments. The Sycamore Community School District is seeking a property tax levy.

Inside the warehouse

That bipartisan approach plays out at the ground level, too. In a WCPO report published Oct. 26, warehouse workers Bill Fletcher and Tyrone Hill described how they boot up each machine, check how the ballot looks and print a sample. They then check that the sample matches the ballot. Both sign off on the results.

Hill reminded the reporter the process is bipartisan. Fletcher quickly added: "He's the Democrat."

Hill gave him a look, and they both laughed.

Ballot supply and Election Day

Poland said the board printed enough ballots to cover 100% voter turnout countywide. Running out at any location is "highly unlikely," she said, according to WLWT.

On Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3, polls open at 6:30 a.m. and close at 7:30 p.m. at assigned polling locations. Voters can find their polling place through the board's website or by calling (513) 946-8500. Ohio requires a valid, unexpired photo ID; voters without one must cast a provisional ballot.