1. A portable, user-controlled, physical device (e.g., smart card or PC card) used to store cryptographic information and possibly also perform cryptographic functions. 2. A token where the secret is a cryptographic key. Source: NIST SP 800-63-2
Understand more election terms clearly
Get one important election term explained each week, with authoritative sources, practical context and related definitions.
1. A portable, user-controlled, physical device (e.g., smart card or PC card) used to store cryptographic information and possibly also perform cryptographic functions. 2. A token where the secret is a cryptographic key. Source: NIST SP 800-63-2
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Cryptographic Token. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 21, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/cryptographic-token
Sources
01
High consensus
02
Multi-source
Get the weekly election term
Receive one cited, source-backed election explanation in your inbox each week.