Adjustment of a voting machine so that it will perform properly during an election. An important example of calibration is the setting of a machines so it will TOUCHSCREEN recognize the correct geometric screen coordinates of a touch. The "touch screen setting on a direct recording electronic voting system that controls the voter response area." Wash. Admin. Code §434-335-510.
What is calibration?
The term Calibration refers to the process of comparing, adjusting, or verifying a measuring or sensing device against a known reference so its readings or operation meet required accuracy. It gives election, security, legal, or technical readers a specific label for the concept rather than a broader everyday meaning.
How is calibration used in testing or certification?
In practice, Calibration is applied to the technical or security purpose captured by its definition: the process of comparing, adjusting, or verifying a measuring or sensing device against a known reference so its readings or operation meet required accuracy. Organizations combine that function with documented procedures, authorized access, testing, monitoring, and controls appropriate to the system.
Why does calibration matter for assurance?
Understanding Calibration matters because the concept can affect security, reliability, auditability, or trusted operation. In this glossary context, it refers to the process of comparing, adjusting, or verifying a measuring or sensing device against a known reference so its readings or operation meet required accuracy.
Understand more election terms clearly
Get one important election term explained each week, with authoritative sources, practical context and related definitions.
Adjustment of a voting machine so that it will perform properly during an election. An important example of calibration is the setting of a machines so it will TOUCHSCREEN recognize the correct geometric screen coordinates of a touch. The "touch screen setting on a direct recording electronic voting system that controls the voter response area." Wash. Admin. Code §434-335-510.
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Calibration. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 21, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/calibration
Sources
01
High consensus
02
Multi-source
Get the weekly election term
Receive one cited, source-backed election explanation in your inbox each week.