Debunking Hand Count Election Myths with Facts

What? ‘They’ say it can’t be done? Hand Counting election results will take too long and cost too much? People won’t want to hand count and, even if they did, there’s not enough people? And people aren’t accurate or can’t be trusted? Are these so-called ‘objections’ based on facts or fiction?

Plenty of ‘Objections’ — What about Facts?

Show Me

Findings

The Missouri Method

Return to Hand Counting

Is it possible to hand count ballots for an election without using voting machines? YES! Will it take days, weeks, or months to count all the ballots? NOthe time needed to hand count ballots is measured in hours. What about costs, accuracy, and the people needed to count ballots, and all the other so-called objections? Most objections are actually myths: popular beliefs that are false or unsupported.

Color-printed, paperback or hardcover binding, with the full hand-count process, Myth-Debunking Workbook, commentary, and resources. Learn more on our eManual page.

cover of return to hand counting emanual

A Hand Counting Instruction Manual for a Complete Hand Count Process, with Commentary and Resources.

available at Amazon

Most Objections Are Actually Myths

MYTH: a popular belief that is False or Unsupported

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Objection

Must be Grounded or Fact-based

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Findings (facts)

Investigated or Researched

Tab through the Findings

People at Conference
Many objections to hand counting lack evidence, making them myths we can debunk with facts. Learn how in the one-pager Most Hand Counting Objections Are Myths and in the Myth-Debunking Workbook.

 

People at Conference
Hand counting isn’t tedious—it’s easy and engaging, inspiring community participation. Discover why in the one-pager Hand Counting is Easy and Engaging.

 

People at Conference
The myth that hand counting is too expensive is false — it saves money compared to machines. Discover the cost savings in the one-pager Hand Counting Saves Money – Debunking the Cost Myth.

People at Conference
Some claim hand counting delays results, but it delivers election day outcomes efficiently. See the proof in the one-pager Hand Counting Delivers Election Day or Same Day Results.

People at Conference
Critics say hand counting lacks accuracy, yet incremental auditing ensures precision. Explore the process in the one-pager Hand Counting Ensures Accuracy with Incremental Auditing.

 

People at Conference
Machines aren’t safer — hand counting offers better transparency and security through oversight. See the benefits in the one-pager Hand Counting Enhances Transparency and Security.

People at Conference
Hand counting isn’t just for small counties—it works in any size based on polling places. Find out how in the one-pager Hand Counting Works in Any County, Any Size.

People at Conference
The idea that there aren’t enough people to hand count is a myth—millions are ready to help. Learn more in the one-pager Plenty of People Ready to Hand Count.

People at Conference
Machines often miss voter intent, but hand counting ensures votes are counted correctly. Discover how in the one-pager Hand Counting Better Captures Voter Intent.

People at Conference
Legacy Teams can undermine election fairness by eroding bipartisanship and oversight. Find out how in the one-pager Legacy Teams Undermine Election Integrity.

People at Conference
Claims that Osage County’s hand count failed are false — it was a cost-saving and accurate success. See the evidence in the one-pager Osage County Proves Hand Counting Success.

People at Conference
Relying solely on machines ignores the need for hand counting during emergencies. Learn why it’s essential in the one-pager Hand Counting Ensures Continuity of Government.

People at Conference
Mike Lindell’s election fraud concerns were valid, supporting the need for hand counting. Learn more in the one-pager Mike Lindell Was Right About Election Fraud.

 

Change the Narrative!

Myth-Debunking Workbook

Real “objections” have grounds. Most “objections” about hand counting are MYTHS. Learn how to respond to myths about hand counting.

Learn How to Respond to Myths

A Myth is a Popular Belief that is False or Unsupported

Replying to Myths with One-Pagers and Findings

hand count myths
Objections are Myths

Most objections to hand counting elections are myths, claims not based on facts

cost comparison debunking hand count election objections
Costs

Hand Counting elections saves money — debunking the myth about costs

hand count election results are facts
Results

Hand Counting delivers election day or same day results – fact!

hand count election objections have no findings
Accuracy

Hand counting elections ensures accuracy with incremental auditing

people are ready to hand count elections - findings
People

Plenty of People are ready to hand count ballots (and we’re training them)

hand count election myths
County Size

Hand counting works in any county, any size – precinct size matters, not county size

Ballot box transparency security american flag hand
Transparency/Security

Hand counting enhances transparency and security through human oversight

hand count election objections
Easy

Hand counting is easy and engaging! It’s the Victory Gardens of our day!

Natural disaster tornado earthquake
Emergency Prep

Emergencies demand hand count preparedness for continuity of government

hand count election myths
Osage County

Osage County election proves the success of the hand count method – findings!

hand count election findings
Voter Intent

Hand counting is better than machines for determining voter intent

Polling place precinct check-in
Legacy Teams

“Legacy Teams” can undermine election integrity and erode bipartisanship

Hand-Counted, Paper Ballots

One-Day Voting, Voter ID

Findings questions magnifier who what where

Library Annex: Hand Count Election Findings

The Truth is More than a Headline. See the Findings that debunk the Myths. Findings are explained in the Myth-Debunking Workbook, which is Section 9 of the eManual. The Library Annex below features items that are part of  the Myths and Findings category. Use the Topics filter to select Findings.

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Apples to Apples Comparison of Large and Small County TurnoutExample of Voter Turnout at 2 polling places in different Missouri …, , , emanual-content myths-findings
Ballot Voting InstructionsSample ballot marking instructions for filling ovals, emanual-content myths-findings
Ballots Tally form from Westphalia Polling Place, Osage County, MOOfficial Ballots Tally form for Westphalia Polling Place (Batch 3) from …, , , , emanual-content myths-findings
Break Down of Council Approved Election Expenditures in St Charles CountyClick the PDF icon in the upper-right to view or download …, , , , estimators hand-count-process myths-findings
Campbell County WY turnout statisticsRead the article related to this topic Human Error in Wyoming: …, , emanual-content estimators myths-findings
Capitol Count Event – MissouriCounting teams at the Missouri State Capitol teaching and demonstrating the …, emanual-content myths-findings
Capitol Count Event – OregonThe Capitol Count event in Oregon, featuring stations to demonstrate, try, …, emanual-content myths-findings
Capitol Count Event – PennsylvaniaCapitol Count event in a hearing room at the Pennsylvania State …, emanual-content myths-findings
Central Counting Location estimator for Campbell County, WYRead this article related to this topic Human Error in Wyoming: …, , , , , emanual-content estimators myths-findings
Central Counting Location estimator for Campbell County, WY, showing square footage requirementsRead this article related to this topic Human Error in Wyoming: …, , , , , emanual-content estimators myths-findings
Clay Parikh, , , emanual-content myths-findings
Clay Parikh calling for hand marked, hand counted ballots, X postClay Parikh’s (@ParikhClay) post on X about election results taking so …, , , , , , emanual-content myths-findings
Clint Curtis, Computer Programmer and Democrat WhistleblowerA Dedicated Advocate Clint Curtis, a computer programmer with experience at …, , , emanual-content myths-findings
CSR 15 CSR 30-10-040 par. (5)CSR (Missouri Code of State Regulations) regarding bipartisan team tasks: “… …, , , emanual-content myths-findings
CSR Images regarding Voter IntentImages used to explain Voter Intent and which would be considered …, , , , emanual-content myths-findings
Definition of Finding Merriam-WebsterFindings Equal Fact Check Findings are the results of investigations or …, emanual-content myths-findings
Definition of Myth Merriam-WebsterMost Objections are Myths When someone pushes an objection, asking for …, emanual-content myths-findings
Definition of Objection Merriam-WebsterWhat is an objection? It is a reason or argument presented …, emanual-content myths-findings
Democrat Whistleblower Exposes 51-49 AlgorithmClint Curtis’s 2004 Testimony In 2004, programmer and whistleblower Clint Curtis …, , , , , , emanual-content myths-findings
Detroit Convention Center ‘infamous’ windows covered with pizza boxesCraig Rantz (facing camera) at the Detroit Convention Center in front …, , , , emanual-content myths-findings
Dishwasher Main Control BoardImage of the Main Control Board of a Dishwasher. If you …, , emanual-content myths-findings
Dutch to Hand Count Votes Over Hacking Fears“All votes in next month’s Dutch election will be counted by …, , , , emanual-content myths-findings
Election Complaint by Linda RantzElection complaint by Linda Rantz with supporting documentation, including some of …, , , , , emanual-content myths-findings
Elections Cost Big BucksFrom 2018 until 2022, the conference for state legislators is unable …, , , emanual-content myths-findings
Elon Musk quote on @KanekoaTheGreat X post: “last thing we want is electronic voting machines”X post by @KanekoaTheGreat of Elon Musk: “The Last Thing We …, , , emanual-content myths-findings
eManual: Return to Hand Counting, , emanual-content hand-count-process myths-findings
Emerald Robinson “Election Day 2024” thread on XEmerald Robinson thread on X.com about rigged 2020 election and stop …, , , , , emanual-content myths-findings
Error in Vernon County, MO, Walker polling place returnsWalker Precinct in Vernon County, MO showing ZERO Voter Turnout due …, , , , emanual-content myths-findings
Event Flyer for Express TrainingEvent Flyer for Express Training that organizers can use to publicize …, emanual-content myths-findings
Finding: Election Day or Same Day Results, , , , , emanual-content myths-findings
Finding: Emergencies Demand Hand Count Preparedness, , , , , emanual-content myths-findings
Finding: Hand Counting Better Tool for Voter Intent, , , emanual-content myths-findings
Finding: Hand Counting is Easy and Inspiring, , , , emanual-content myths-findings
Finding: Hand Counting Saves Money, , , , , , , emanual-content myths-findings
Finding: Incremental Auditing Assures Accuracy, , , emanual-content myths-findings
Finding: Legacy Teams Erode Bipartisanship, , , , , emanual-content myths-findings
Finding: Mike Was Right – Elections Need Securing, , , , , , , , , , , , emanual-content myths-findings
Finding: More Transparency and Better Security, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , emanual-content myths-findings
Finding: Most Objections Are Myths, Not Grounded, , , , , emanual-content myths-findings
Finding: Osage County Election Was a Success, , , , emanual-content myths-findings
Finding: Plenty of People, Training is Quick, , , , , emanual-content myths-findings
Finding: Works in Any Size County, , , , emanual-content myths-findings
France: Paper Ballots, In Person, Hand Counted“French voters in Sunday’s presidential election will use the same system …, , , , emanual-content myths-findings
Hand Count Estimator results for Campbell County, WYRead the Newspaper article related to this topic Human Error in …, , , emanual-content estimators myths-findings
Hand Count Estimator tool for St Charles County 2024Click the Excel icon in the upper-right corner to download the …, , , , , , estimators myths-findings show-me
Hand Count Team in Osage County (#1)Hand Counting Team at a Polling Place in Osage County (pic …, , , emanual-content myths-findings
Hand Count Team in Osage County (#2)Hand Counting Team at a Polling Place in Osage County on …, , , emanual-content myths-findings
Hand Count Team in Osage County (#3)Hand Counting Team at a Polling Place in Osage County, (pic …, , , emanual-content myths-findings
Hand Counting Better Captures Voter IntentHand Counting Better Captures Voter Intent The Myth: Machine Counts Always …, , myths-findings
Hand Counting Delivers Election Day or Same Day ResultsHand Counting Delivers Election Day or Same Day Results The Myth: …, , , , , myths-findings
Hand Counting Enhances Transparency and SecurityHand Counting Enhances Transparency and Security The Myth: Machines Are Safer …, , , , , myths-findings
Hand Counting Ensures Accuracy with Incremental AuditingHand Counting Ensures Accuracy with Incremental Auditing The Myth: Humans Are …, , myths-findings
Hand Counting Ensures Continuity of GovernmentHand Counting Ensures Continuity of Government The Myth: Voting Machines Eliminate …myths-findings
Hand Counting is Easy and EngagingHand Counting is Easy and Engaging The Myth: Hand Counting is …, , , , , , myths-findings
Hand Counting Saves Money – Debunking the Cost MythHand Counting Saves Money – Debunking the Cost Myth The Myth: …, , , , , myths-findings
Hand Counting Works in Any County, Any SizeHand Counting Works in Any County, Any Size The Myth: Hand …, , , myths-findings
Human Error in Wyoming: Why Hand Counting Ensures Election TrustA Wyoming Wake-Up Call In Weston County, Wyoming, an election controversy …, , , , , , , emanual-content myths-findings
Jack Posobiec that “Mike Lindell is WITHOUT FEAR” post on XJack Posobiec photo from Democratic National Convention showing Mike Lindell on …, , , emanual-content myths-findings
Lack of Chain of Custody by Shawn SmithShawn Smith: “There is not a computerized voting system in the …, , , , emanual-content myths-findings
Lara Logan About Stolen Elections X postRepost by Lara Logan to @Real_RobN post, “This should be investigated. …, , , , emanual-content myths-findings
Lawfare and Weaponization of the Missouri Secretary of State’s OfficeThis 67-page document provides a comprehensive overview of the lawfare following …, , , , hand-count-process myths-findings
Legacy Teams Undermine Election IntegrityLegacy Teams Undermine Election Integrity The Myth: Clerks Can Run Elections …, , , , , , myths-findings
Lindell speech at CPACMike Lindell’s full speech at CPAC 2025 in Washington, DC, , , emanual-content myths-findings
Link about Muscle Memory“Muscle Memory is a form of procedural memory that involves consolidating …, emanual-content myths-findings
Mesa 3 and Mesa 4 Reports, , , , , , emanual-content myths-findings
Mike Lindell thanking President Trump for his comments at CPAC 2025 – X postIn an X post, Mike Lindell thanked President Trump: Mike Lindell: …, , , , emanual-content myths-findings
Mike Lindell Was Right About Election FraudMike Lindell Was Right About Election Fraud The Myth: Mike Lindell …, , myths-findings
Mike Lindell White House Press Room PodiumAfter a private meeting with President Trump (2/22/2025) to discuss reforms …, , , , emanual-content myths-findings
Most Countries Hand-Count Paper BallotsThis article provides reference links regarding other countries that hand-count ballots. …, , , emanual-content myths-findings
Most Hand Counting Objections Are MythsMost Hand Counting Objections Are Myths The Myth: Hand Counting Faces …, , , myths-findings
Mt. Rushmore, SD, main walkway, arrow shows “free speech” area and vendor selling yoga booksMt. Rushmore, SD, main walkway, arrow shows “free speech” area and …, , , emanual-content myths-findings
Myth-Debunking WorkbookThe Myth-Debunking Workbook is Section 9 of the eManual (Missouri Elections: …, , , emanual-content hand-count-process myths-findings
Norwegian Votes to Be Manually Counted“Norway is the second country in Europe to change the way …, , , , emanual-content myths-findings
NPR article about Research Human AccuracyWhile the headline of this interview starts with the word, “Research” …, emanual-content myths-findings
Oregon Hand Count Training“When Oregon neighborhoods return to in-precinct, paper ballots only, hand counting, …, , emanual-content myths-findings
Organizer Flyer for Train the TrainersTraining is available from this website, but when we travel to …, emanual-content myths-findings training-materials
Osage County Clerk Opinion Piece with Linda Rantz rebuttal markingsClerk’s “Opinion Piece” with markings by Linda Rantz showing rebuttal topics, , , , emanual-content myths-findings
Osage County Investigation commentThe interview was part of the election investigation in the Osage …, , , , emanual-content myths-findings
Osage County Proves Hand Counting SuccessOsage County Proves Hand Counting Success The Myth: Osage County’s Hand …, myths-findings
Other Costs for Voting MachinesCosts for the “Rest of the Apple” What is the cost …, , , emanual-content estimators myths-findings
Patrick ColbeckPatrick Colbeck, Lindell Management, , Engineer, former State Senator The person …, emanual-content myths-findings
Percentage of registered voters needed to hand count an electionRead this article related to this topic Human Error in Wyoming: …, , emanual-content estimators myths-findings
Plenty of People Ready to Hand CountPlenty of People Ready to Hand Count The Myth: Not Enough …, , , , , myths-findings
Polling Place Layout with arrows demonstrating judges moving to alternate positionsPolling Place illustrating change of roles by elections judges to avoid …, , , , , emanual-content myths-findings
President Trump at CPAC 2025 validating Mike Lindell“President Trump took to the stage at CPAC yesterday and called …, , , , , , emanual-content myths-findings
Rasmussen Reports X post showing People want to hand countIn February 2025, Rasmussen Reports published results of a national survey …, , emanual-content myths-findings
Republic If You Can Afford ItThe cost of administering elections is an importantly understudied area in …, , , emanual-content myths-findings
Revised handwritten results on Vernon Count, MO 2024 Primary ResultsExample of Election Results “certified” by Bipartisan Team, but showing corrections …, , , emanual-content myths-findings
Robert F Kennedy interview on Dr Phil’s MeritTV about hacked machines – X postRobert F. Kennedy, Jr. on Dr. Phil’s Merit TV: “Everybody knows …, , , , emanual-content myths-findings
Shawn SmithShawn Smith, Col. USAF Ret., served as Senior Military Evaluator for …, emanual-content myths-findings
Sherronna Bishop quote from Lindell Offense Fund newsletterThat Man Suffered “From day one, Mr. Lindell said he would …, , , , , , , , , , emanual-content myths-findings
Sidney Powell: No Machines X postSidney Powell: “This is a must!” “No Machines”, , , , emanual-content myths-findings
Slices to Slices Cost ComparisonApples to Apples Comparison of Costs Even Mike Lindell has asked for …, , , , emanual-content estimators myths-findings
Slide Deck: Overview of Myths PDFCreated by Linda Rantz for a 1-hour overview presentation. Same formats …, myths-findings training-materials
Slide Deck: Overview of Myths PowerPointCreated by Linda Rantz for a 1-hour overview presentation. Same formats …, myths-findings training-materials
Slide Deck: Overview of Myths Presenter NotesThis document is the notes exported from PowerPoint that provide explanations …, myths-findings training-materials
Slides for Linda Rantz Presentation at Turning Point Action Event, myths-findings training-materials
Solution to Hackers? More HackerIn the most talked-about session at Def Con, hackers were let …, emanual-content myths-findings
St Charles County – Debunking the $1.3 Million Hand Count EstimateClick the icon in the upper-right corner to download the PDF …, , , , , estimators myths-findings show-me
St Charles County Council-Approved Election Purchases 2010 to 2023Click the icon in the upper-right corner to download the PDF …, , , , estimators myths-findings
St Charles County Election Director Attends Hand Count Demo and It’s a Win for the Hand Count MovementClick the PDF icon in the upper-right to view or download …, , , , , estimators hand-count-process myths-findings
St Charles County MO, Town Hall Meeting, Ask the Experts, Part 1, , , , , , , , , emanual-content myths-findings
St Charles County MO, Town Hall Meeting, Ask the Experts, Part 2, , , , , , , emanual-content myths-findings
Statute 115.501Verification board, duties of — meetings, when. — As soon as …, , emanual-content myths-findings
Statute 115.503Verification board to inspect or cause inspection of secured electronic voting …, , , , emanual-content myths-findings
Tallying elections results 1987 in Lowell, MAWe’ve hand-counted elections for centuries, we can do it again! This …, , emanual-content myths-findings
They Cut the Wires?, , , , , , , emanual-content myths-findings
Trial of the Machines with Clay Parikh, , , , , , , , myths-findings show-me
Trump’s National Security Emergency Investigation Into Election Fraud Is OngoingThis American Thinker article, published on April 16, 2025, reports on …, , , , myths-findings show-me
Turnout Chart for Municipal Elections in St Charles County, MOMunicipal Elections in 2021-2024; typically a municipal could be counted at …, , , , emanual-content myths-findings
Turnout Chart for Presidential Elections in St Charles County, MOPresidential Elections in 2020 and 2024, the majority of polling places …, , , , emanual-content myths-findings
Verification Board Statutes referenceVerification Board statutes begin at 115.497 and continue to 115.513 (plus …, , emanual-content myths-findings
Vernon County, MO, Official Election Results for August 2024 linkLink to the Vernon County website for official election results posted …, , , , , emanual-content myths-findings
Video – TPA Event with Patrick ColbeckPatrick Colbeck presentation at the Turning Point Action event in Las …, , emanual-content myths-findings
Video – TPA Event with Shawn Smith, , , , , emanual-content myths-findings
Video: Linda Rantz Debunks Hand Count Myths at Turning Point Action event, emanual-content myths-findings
Video: Overview of MythsThe Overview is presented at the beginning of Train the Trainers, …, myths-findings training-materials
Voter Intent – Hand CountingExamples from SOS regulations regarding Voter Intent when ballots are hand-counted. …, , emanual-content myths-findings
Voter Intent – Machine CountingExamples from SOS regulations regarding Voter Intent when ballots are machine …, , emanual-content myths-findings
Voter Turnout Estimates per Polling PlaceVisual Aid of AI Providing Estimates of Polling Place Averages, , , emanual-content myths-findings
Votescam (book) – Uncovering Election FraudVotescam: A Bold Exposé on Election Fraud A Pioneering Investigation Votescam: …, , emanual-content myths-findings
WaPo article Hand Counting is Bad IdeaThe newspaper theme, “Democracy Dies in Darkness” and the article title …, emanual-content myths-findings
Whack-a-Mole copyright notice“Whack-A-Mole” created by Aaron Fechter in 1976, is the copyright of …, emanual-content myths-findings
X post by @DominionVotingAs an example of what could easily have been interpreted as …, , emanual-content myths-findings

Preparing the Country for Hand Counting. Tell others that Hand Counting is Easy!

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