What Makes a Hand Count Method an “Excellent” Method?
In a previous FAQ, Is there a “Gold Standard” Hand Count Method?, we discussed that hand counting itself is the Gold Standard for elections. Individual hand count methods, in my opinion, may be considered “excellent,” but the title of “Gold Standard” applies to hand counting overall (vs. machine counting), and not to any single hand count method.
To anyone who speaks with me about hand counting, I encourage them to learn any method. More important than the method is helping people understand that hand counting is easy and humans are capable of counting ballots. That is the entire premise behind our Hand Count Mission — to defeat the narrative that has been used to convince Americans that only machines can accurately count votes.
Top 5 Hallmarks of an Excellent Hand Count Method
I am not a fan of comparing hand count methods and have declined to be part of events that ‘showcase’ multiple methods, or are quasi-competitions of hand count methods. It is so much more important for the general public to understand that hand counting is easy and possible.
But, if someone is interested in learning more about hand count methods, what should they consider? While the Tally Sheet is usually the core of the hand count process, there is much more to a complete hand count method. These are my Top 5 items for determining if a hand count method should be considered “Excellent.”
Compliant and Adaptable: If the hand count method is based on the laws of a specific state, it must be compliant with those laws (and reference the specific statutes). The method can be considered excellent if it is compliant, and also has the ability to be adapted to other states’ laws.
Start-to-Finish, Documented Method: An excellent hand count method goes beyond the tally sheet. The method must include all steps for hand counting ballots, from the beginning of the process through returning tabulated results to the election official. An excellent hand count method is documented with instructions, all forms, and training materials.
Proven Method, Not Theoretical: Every hand count method begins with ideas, and moves through documenting, testing, and tweaking. Some methods may be good or very good. But, in my opinion, until a method has been successfully used in an actual election administered by an election authority, it has not yet achieved “excellent” status.
Easy to Train, Easy to Learn, Easy to Count: Election authorities deal with many complexities of voting machines. There is no reason for a hand count method to be complex. An excellent hand count method is straightforward, easy to understand, easy to train and learn, and easy to use when counting ballots.
Standalone — Not Reliant on Electronics or Peripheral Requirements: An excellent hand count method relies on paper, markers or pens, and people. It does not need cameras, scanners, or other equipment in order to accomplish the counting of ballots. The use of watermarks, special paper, bar codes, serial numbers, or other ballot features are also not required for a method to be excellent. Those types of features might be desired or required by the state or county, but they are not a necessary feature for a hand count method to be considered excellent.
