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The security of voting systems is essential to trustworthy elections. The Election Assistance Commission (EAC) develops voluntary voting system guidelines (VVSG), which are a set of specifications and requirements, including security and integrity standards, that voting systems must meet in order to receive certification. The EAC also accredits voting labs that test voting systems to these standards. Participation in the EAC testing and certification program is voluntary, but most states use the EAC’s testing and certification program. States may also choose to enact stricter requirements for voting systems.
Every state and local jurisdiction utilizes common-sense procedures and tools to safeguard the voting process and ensure its election results can be trusted. Common best practices include using locks, tamper-evident seals, security cameras, system testing before and after elections, audits, and physical and cybersecurity access controls. Each state also has a chief election official who ensures these laws and procedures are strictly followed.
Common security measures for voting systems:
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Purchasing tested and certified voting systems
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Programming all devices according to local laws and regulations
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Testing the accuracy of voting equipment before elections
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Conducting elections with bipartisan poll workers and observers
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Verifying the total number of voted ballots matches the total number of voters
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Auditing the ballots to ensure that the voting equipment counted votes accurately
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Documenting and verifying by at least two (ideally bipartisan) witnesses the transfer of all ballots and voting equipment from one team or place to the next
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Maintaining physical security access controls
Ballots always remain in the custody of the local election officials conducting the election. Ballots are also required to be securely stored after the election so that they can be reviewed as part of an audit or recount. For more information about election security, see: https://www.eac.gov/voters/election-security.
Visit eac.gov/vote for quick links to your state or territory’s elections website for information about election security in your state.