How do post-election audits boost confidence in election results?

Election officials work year-round to make sure votes are securely and accurately counted. A key part of that work is conducting post-election audits. Routine post-election audits serve as safeguards for the vote counting process and election processes more broadly. They verify that votes cast across the election were counted accurately and the election was conducted properly.

Procedures for conducting audits vary by state, but nearly every jurisdiction requires election officials to conduct one or more of the three main types of audits: tabulation audits, risk-limiting audits, and procedural audits.

Tabulation and risk-limiting audits typically require officials to examine a subset of ballots cast in the election and compare the paper record to results to make sure they match. Procedural audits confirm that election procedures were properly followed, including chain of custody requirements to account for every ballot, voting and ballot counting machine testing, and many other procedures. These audits provide another check that voting and ballot counting machines correctly captured and counted voters’ selections during the election.

Materials from post-election audits are archived and kept available for any legal cases or public records requests related to the election. This provides transparency into the administration of an election, allowing further verification of results and continuous improvements to administrative procedures.

For additional information:

• Center for Election Innovation & Research, “What Happens After We Vote”
• National Conference of State Legislatures, “Post-Election Audits”
• U.S. Election Assistance Commission, “Election Audits Across the United States”