Here’s how to use Philadelphia’s new voting machines in the Nov. 5 general election

Earlier this year, the City of Philadelphia unveiled a new voting system in response to a mandate by the Department of State and Gov. Tom Wolf that all Pennsylvania counties must replace their current systems with those that include a voter-verifiable paper ballot.

It’s the first time Philly will have an all-electronic system, and although there’s been some controversy around how the machines were selected, voters will be using the ExpressVote XL machines across the county on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Voters will be given a paper ballot when they check in at their polling place, which they’ll insert into the machine with the cut corner in the upper right-hand side.

(Gif by Paige Gross via the City’s voting video)

From there, voters will use the touch screen to select their language, make their candidate selection and answer the ballot questions. After they’ve reviewed their votes, they hit “print ballot,” where voters can review the paper version of their ballot, and “submit” the paper to be held in a secure container.

This voting system tallies votes electronically, but with the paper ballots as confirmation.

“Because the ExpressVote XL produces a paper ballot, Philadelphia will be able to conduct enhanced post-election audits and recounts if needed,” the City said.

The system also provides all registered voters the ability to cast their vote in the same manner by using assistive devices such as an accessible keypad with braille.

Watch the full video on how to use the machines here:

Planning to vote in Tuesday’s election? The voting machine you use will look different! Here’s what you need to know about the new voting system. #PhillyVotes pic.twitter.com/7maXiCzpqM

— City of Philadelphia (@PhiladelphiaGov) November 1, 2019

Voter tampering was a concern after the 2016 election, which the City took into consideration when choosing this model of machine, it said. The system has been certified by both the Federal Elections Assistance Commission and the Pennsylvania Department of State.

“As part of the state certification, the system was sent to an independent security consultant for security and penetration testing. Tests were done to ensure that election results, media used, reports, and audit logs were protected from attempts to decrypt, manipulate, or corrupt election data,” the City said. “Furthermore, the hardware, election media, and ballots are secured with lock and key and security seals.”

Polling places open across the city at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. on Nov. 5. If you are in line to vote at 8 p.m., you will still be allowed to vote.

Check where to cast your ballot here.