The canvass is the official review that happens after election day. Election officials check results from every precinct, reconcile records, resolve discrepancies, and certify the official totals.
The "the entire process of determining that the votes have been counted and tabulated correctly, culminating in the authentication of the official election results." N.C Gen. Stat. §163-182.5. "Compilation of election returns and validation of the outcome that forms the basis of the official results by political subdivision." A "review of the 2005 VVSG GLOSSARY. election results by the board of county commissioners or the mayor and city council or the justices of the Supreme Court, by which any errors within the election results are officially noted and the official election results are declared." Nev. Rev. Stat. §293.032. Similarly, Ark. Code §7-1-101(4). The "process of examining, in detail, a ballot, groups of ballots, election subtotals, or grand totals in order to determine the final official returns of a primary, special, or general election and in order to safeguard the integrity of the election process." Wash. Admin. Code §434-240-010(4). The "audit function that culminates in the final certification of official election returns." Wyo. Stat. §22-1-102(a)(xl). See also RECANVASS.
Example
On the Friday after election day, county officials begin the canvass: they compare poll book totals with machine counts, investigate any gap, and sign off on the certified result before announcing it.
Why this term matters
How it is used in election security
Understand more election terms clearly
Get one important election term explained each week, with named public sources, practical context and related definitions.
The "the entire process of determining that the votes have been counted and tabulated correctly, culminating in the authentication of the official election results." N.C Gen. Stat. §163-182.5. "Compilation of election returns and validation of the outcome that forms the basis of the official results by political subdivision." A "review of the 2005 VVSG GLOSSARY. election results by the board of county commissioners or the mayor and city council or the justices of the Supreme Court, by which any errors within the election results are officially noted and the official election results are declared." Nev. Rev. Stat. §293.032. Similarly, Ark. Code §7-1-101(4). The "process of examining, in detail, a ballot, groups of ballots, election subtotals, or grand totals in order to determine the final official returns of a primary, special, or general election and in order to safeguard the integrity of the election process." Wash. Admin. Code §434-240-010(4). The "audit function that culminates in the final certification of official election returns." Wyo. Stat. §22-1-102(a)(xl). See also RECANVASS.
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Canvass. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved September 14, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/canvass
Sources
01
High consensus
02
Disputed
03
Multi-source
Get the weekly election term
Receive one cited, source-backed election explanation in your inbox each week.