Voting Systems Security
Each state oversees its elections. The U.S. Election Assistance Commissioner sets voluntary standards for states to follow. It outlines common best practices include using locks, tamper-evident seals, security cameras, system testing before and after elections, audits, and physical and cybersecurity access controls.
Common procedures include:
- Purchasing tested and certified voting systems.
- Programming all devices according to local laws and regulations.
- Testing the accuracy of voting equipment before elections and allowing the public to attend.
- Conducting elections with bipartisan poll workers and observers.
- Verifying the total number of voted ballots matches the total number of voters.
- Auditing the ballots to ensure that the voting equipment counted votes accurately.
- Maintaining a strict chain of custody, verified by at least two witnesses (often from bipartisan teams).
- Maintaining physical security access controls.
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Sourced from the United States Election Assistance Commission
