Why are emergency ballots used during elections?

Emergency ballots serve as a contingency measure in the event that a voting machine experiences a malfunction and cannot be repaired in a timely manner. This ensures that the election can continue without significant disruption, allowing voters to still cast their votes even if the electronic voting system is temporarily unavailable. By providing these emergency ballots, election officials maintain the integrity of the electoral process, ensuring that every eligible voter has the opportunity to participate, regardless of technical issues that may arise on election day.

The correct answer highlights the practical necessity of emergency ballots in addressing unforeseen problems during the voting process, reinforcing the importance of preparedness in managing elections efficiently.