That may be exactly how they are supposed to work:
".. * EVM Vote Recording And Retention
When the polls are first opened for an election, the DRE EVM electronically sets all counter storage tables to zero (0) votes. Voter selections are directly recorded into the DRE EVM results memory tables. There are five (5) separate tables for recording vote totals, updated each time a voter casts a ballot. Three of the tables are internal to the DRE EVM. These tables are stored in separate Random Access Memory (RAM) integrated circuit chips.
Once a voter has made a selection on the ballot, this choice-set is held in non-volatile RAM until the final step of casting a ballot. The voter may change selections at anytime until the voter presses the VOTE button, casting a ballot. Once a ballot is cast, the 5 separate RAM tables are updated. Upon closing of the polls, a sixth table verifies the other five.
The RAM memory requires constant application of power to retain data. The EVM contains an internal, 10-year life, lithium battery cell that provides constant power to the machine CPU even when the machine is turned off. The results are maintained even in the event of a catastrophic machine failure.
The other two counter storage tables are contained in the memory cartridge, stored in Read Only Memory in an integrated circuit. This memory retains information even when electrical power is removed; it can only be erased electronically..."
"..I don't understand why the machines can't be set to zero at thebeginning of the voting..."
That may be exactly how they are supposed to work:
THen we can assume that they were reset?....dont think so...
"The other two counter storage tables are contained in the memory cartridge, stored in Read Only Memory in an integrated circuit. This memory retains information even when electrical power is removed; it can only be erased electronically..."
More correctly called EPROM(Erasable Programable Read Only Memory)