A direct recording electronic (DRE) voting machine directly records the voter's selections in each race or contest. It does so via the image of a ballot that appears on an electronic display screen. Typical DRE machines have flat panel display screens with touch screen or keypad input, although other technologies have been used (including paper and push button displays). The defining characteristic of these machines is that votes are exclusively captured and stored electronically, and that after the voter leaves, no tangible hard copy record of the voters selections remains. Some DREs, however, are equipped with printers capable of printing voter-verifiable paper records that sighted voters can review to verify that a hard copy record of their selections is accurate.
Understand more election terms clearly
Get one important election term explained each week, with authoritative sources, practical context and related definitions.
A direct recording electronic (DRE) voting machine directly records the voter's selections in each race or contest. It does so via the image of a ballot that appears on an electronic display screen. Typical DRE machines have flat panel display screens with touch screen or keypad input, although other technologies have been used (including paper and push button displays). The defining characteristic of these machines is that votes are exclusively captured and stored electronically, and that after the voter leaves, no tangible hard copy record of the voters selections remains. Some DREs, however, are equipped with printers capable of printing voter-verifiable paper records that sighted voters can review to verify that a hard copy record of their selections is accurate.
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Dre (direct Recording Electronic) Voting Machine. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 21, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/dre-direct-recording-electronic-voting-machine
Sources
01
Single-source
Get the weekly election term
Receive one cited, source-backed election explanation in your inbox each week.