§ Miss. Code § 23-15-415Preparation and protection of voting machines

It shall be the duty of the authorities in charge of any election where a voting machine is to be
used, to have the machine at the proper polling place or places before the time fixed for opening
of the polls, and the counters set at zero, and otherwise in good and proper order for use at such
election. For the purpose of placing ballots in the ballot frames of the machine, putting it in
order, setting, testing and adjusting and delivering the machine, the authorities in charge of
elections may employ one or more competent persons, to be known as custodian or custodians of
voting machines, who shall be fully competent, thoroughly instructed, and sworn to perform his
duties honestly and faithfully, and for such purpose shall be appointed and instructed at least
thirty (30) days before the election. All voting machines to be used in an election shall be
properly prepared at least three (3) days prior to the election day. When a voting machine has
been properly prepared for election, it shall be locked against voting and sealed; and the keys
thereof shall be delivered to the registrar, together with a written report made by the custodian or
official preparing the machine, stating that it is in every way properly prepared for the election.
After the voting machine has been transferred to the polling place, it shall be the duty of the
managers to provide ample protection against molestation or injury to the machine. All voting
machines used in any election shall be provided with a screen, hood or curtain which shall be so
made and adjusted as to conceal the voter and his action while voting.