Hand Counting Ensures Continuity of Government

The Myth: Voting Machines Eliminate the Need for Hand Counting

Many clerks believe a 2–5% post-election machine audit is enough, dismissing the need for a full hand count process. This myth overlooks a critical reality: hand counting ensures continuity of government during emergencies. Federal, state, and local laws require elections to proceed despite power outages, natural disasters, or cyberattacks.

Finding: Emergencies Demand Hand Count Preparedness

Preparing for Emergencies with Hand Counting

Catastrophic events can disable voting machines or prevent their transport to polling places, making hand counting in emergencies essential. Clerks must have a “Plan B” to ensure elections occur under any circumstance. Pre-planning is vital—without power, communication, or equipment, hand counting ensures continuity by maintaining election integrity.

Prepare with Emergency Hand Count Tools

The Precinct Emergency Hand Count Guide helps clerks plan for precinct-level ballot counting, tailored to local laws. The Forms and Supplies Estimator calculates necessary materials, while the Emergency Hand Count Forms provides core documents (e.g., Ballots Tally, Results of Polling Place) for efficient, accurate hand counts during crises. Download at ReturntoHandCounting.com/Resources.

Action for Elected Officials

Ensure election continuity by supporting emergency preparedness. Encourage clerks to adopt hand counting as a reliable backup, using the resources provided to plan ahead.

Read the full content at Finding: Due Diligence Required to Ensure Continuity of Government