A process that tracks the movement of evidence through its collection, safeguarding, and analysis lifecycle by documenting each person who handled the evidence, the date/time it was collected or transferred, and the purpose for the transfer. Source: NIST SP 800-72
Understand more election terms clearly
Get one important election term explained each week, with authoritative sources, practical context and related definitions.
A process that tracks the movement of evidence through its collection, safeguarding, and analysis lifecycle by documenting each person who handled the evidence, the date/time it was collected or transferred, and the purpose for the transfer. Source: NIST SP 800-72
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Chain Of Custody. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 20, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/chain-of-custody
Sources
01
High consensus
02
Multi-source
03
Multi-source
Get the weekly election term
Receive one cited, source-backed election explanation in your inbox each week.