How ballots are counted and verified
This is a plain-language overview of how U.S. elections are run and checked. Elections are run by states and local election offices, so details differ by state. For the rules where you vote, go to your state or local election office.
Who runs elections
Each state sets its own procedures under state and federal law, and county or city election officials carry them out. The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) is a bipartisan federal agency that certifies voting systems against federal guidelines and publishes best practices. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) offers security help to state and local election officials when they ask for it.
Before Election Day
- Voter registration. States keep voter lists and update them under federal and state law.
- Equipment testing. Most states require public logic-and-accuracy tests of voting machines before an election. Many are open to observers.
- Mail and absentee ballots. States set the rules for who can vote by mail, how signatures or ID are checked, and the deadlines for returning ballots.
On Election Day and counting
- Most voters in the U.S. vote on a paper ballot or a machine that prints a paper record, so ballots can be recounted by hand.
- Many states allow observers from political parties and the public to watch processing and counting, under rules set by state law.
- Results posted on election night are unofficial. Counting continues for days in many states, especially for mail, overseas and provisional ballots.
Checking the results
- Canvass. Election officials reconcile the number of ballots with the number of voters who checked in, and review provisional ballots.
- Audits. Many states require post-election audits that compare a sample of paper ballots with machine counts. Some use risk-limiting audits.
- Recounts. State laws set when a recount happens automatically or can be requested, usually when the margin is very close.
- Certification. Local and state officials certify results by deadlines set in state law. Disputes go to the courts under state and federal law.
Where to check facts
- Can I Vote (National Association of Secretaries of State): find your state election office and polling place.
- U.S. Election Assistance Commission (eac.gov): voting systems, voter resources, state contacts.
- CISA election security (cisa.gov): election infrastructure security resources.
- Vote.gov: register to vote or check your registration.
- Federal Election Commission (fec.gov): campaign finance filings for federal candidates.
If you see a claim about an election problem, check it with your state or local election office, which publishes official results and procedures.