A digitally signed representation of information that 1) identifies the authority issuing it, 2) identifies the subscriber, 3) identifies its valid operational period (date issued / expiration date). In the information assurance (IA) community, certificate usually implies public key certificate and can have the following types: A digital representation of information which at least (1) identifies the certification authority (CA) issuing it, (2) names or identifies its subscriber, (3) contains the subscriber's public key, (4) identifies its operational period, and (5) is digitally signed by the certification authority issuing it. Source: NIST SP 800-32; CNSSI No. 1300 See cross certificate, encryption certificate, and identity certificate.
Understand more election terms clearly
Get one important election term explained each week, with authoritative sources, practical context and related definitions.
A digitally signed representation of information that 1) identifies the authority issuing it, 2) identifies the subscriber, 3) identifies its valid operational period (date issued / expiration date). In the information assurance (IA) community, certificate usually implies public key certificate and can have the following types: A digital representation of information which at least (1) identifies the certification authority (CA) issuing it, (2) names or identifies its subscriber, (3) contains the subscriber's public key, (4) identifies its operational period, and (5) is digitally signed by the certification authority issuing it. Source: NIST SP 800-32; CNSSI No. 1300 See cross certificate, encryption certificate, and identity certificate.
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Certificate. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 21, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/certificate
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.