A file that has been logically, but not necessarily physically, erased from the operating system, perhaps to eliminate potentially incriminating evidence. Deleting files does not always necessarily eliminate the possibility of recovering all or part of the original data. 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.
High consensus
A file that has been logically, but not necessarily physically, erased from the operating system, perhaps to eliminate potentially incriminating evidence. Deleting files does not always necessarily eliminate the possibility of recovering all or part of the original data. Source: NIST SP 800-72
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Deleted File. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 22, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/deleted-file
Sources
01
High consensus
02
High consensus
Get the weekly election term
Receive one cited, source-backed election explanation in your inbox each week.