We undertook this project in response to the growing movement to subvert the outcome of free and fair elections, and the known and documented support from elected and appointed officials in that effort. While anti-democratic forces once focused most of their attention on compromising access to voting, they have taken new aim at the vote counting and election certification processes. Although we have not seen election results overturned as a result, this movement is gaining momentum, and the threat is real.
In analyzing the process, practice, and personnel involved in vote counting and election certification, we have two goals: 1) to build confidence in the vote counting and election certification processes by showing, in detail, the systems, checks, and quality assurance steps in place; and 2) to identify potential vulnerabilities in the system in order to allow pro-democracy partners to better monitor our elections, target corrective action, and, in turn, protect the integrity of our elections.
Our voting systems are strong. Voters can and should feel confident that election administrators will count and certify votes accurately. This brief aims to ensure that our voting systems remain strong.
This research was compiled by a team of dedicated and experienced researchers in a matter of months, but the complexity and intricacies of local vote counting and election certification processes can take years to understand. Additionally, laws, policies, and practices change frequently. For these reasons, and to provide accurate and actionable information, this is a living document.
We will continue to update, amend, and develop these research materials through the election cycle as we talk to more individuals involved with vote counting and election certification, as well as partners in this space, and watch the processes in action. We welcome and encourage feedback.