Vote counting is the crucial, often complex, process of tabulating ballots following an election to determine official results. This vital phase ensures...
Votes are generally counted either manually, by election officials sorting and tallying ballots, or using electronic tabulation machines that scan and record votes, often with multiple checks and balances.
Key measures include bipartisan oversight, public observation, robust chain of custody for ballots, regular auditing processes, and software verification to prevent tampering and ensure correct tabulation.
Factors such as high voter turnout, the volume of mail-in and provisional ballots, state-specific tabulation laws, mandatory waiting periods, and potential recounts can extend the counting duration significantly.
A ballot recount is the process of re-tabulating all votes cast in an election to confirm the accuracy of initial results. It often occurs when vote margins are extremely close, or if legally mandated by state law or requested by a candidate.