This Finding stresses the need for hand counting as a backup during emergencies to ensure election continuity.
Myth: Counties Using Voting Machines Don’t Need to Consider Any Hand Count Processes
Many clerks may feel they already know all they need to know about hand counting because they conduct the 2% to 5% post-election audit of machines. These audits are done days after an election in the clerk’s office or facility. Most jurisdictions select a few races from the ballot – they do not recount the entire ballot. A common complaint is that hand counting the audit sampling is already so time-consuming and tedious that the clerk does not want to consider counting all the ballots.
It probably would do no good to argue with a clerk who, when considering hand counting, is looking at it from the perspective of a process they are already using – good or bad.
The reality is that there are federal, state, and local laws regarding the “continuity of government.” Government agencies and offices must be able to conduct business, including elections, in the case of catastrophic events (such as natural disasters, attacks, etc.). Clerks are obligated by the duty of their office to have emergency preparedness plans in place. It may not just be a matter of no power or communication, but it might also be impossible to transport voting equipment to polling locations. Having a “Plan B” for counting ballots is essential.
Click the PDF icon to read the complete Findings document.
View the one-pager at Hand Counting Ensures Continuity of Government
Date:
2025-03-29
eManual Section:
9
eManual Section Title:
Myth-Debunking Workbook
eManual SubSection Title:
Finding: Due Diligence Required to Ensure Continuity of Government
eManual page number:
297
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