T​he answer to how long it will take to count ballots will vary depending on who you ask. Days, weeks, or months is the automatic reply made by many election officials and deserves a return question: Really? Based on what? This is a classic example of a myth (an objection that is false or unsupported). Most election officials have never researched or participated in testing hand counting. They will tell you that the small sampling of ballots they have to hand count post-election gives them all the knowledge they need. The truth is that is all the knowledge they have.

We provide estimators, research, training, and official election results. Depending on when a state allows ballot counting to begin, hand count teams will complete the count on election day/night, or on the same day. IF … election officials properly estimate expected voter turnout and number of counters needed.

We are currently recording and editing this video. It will be available soon. In the meantime, check out these other resources about hand count costs.