Process by which election officials or their designees use voting system software to logically define the ballot for a specific election.
What is election programming?
The term Election Programming refers to the process of configuring election-management or voting-system software with the contests, candidates, ballot styles, districts, rules, and parameters required for a specific election. It gives election, security, legal, or technical readers a specific label for the concept rather than a broader everyday meaning.
What information is configured during election programming?
Election programming configures the election-specific data a voting or election-management system needs, such as contests, candidates, ballot measures, districts, precincts, ballot styles, rotation rules, voting rules, and reporting parameters. The exact data set depends on the system and jurisdiction, and it should be verified against the official election definition before deployment.
Why is election programming tested before an election?
Understanding Election Programming matters because the concept can affect security, reliability, auditability, or trusted operation. In this glossary context, it refers to the process of configuring election-management or voting-system software with the contests, candidates, ballot styles, districts, rules, and parameters required for a specific election.
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Process by which election officials or their designees use voting system software to logically define the ballot for a specific election.
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Election Programming. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 22, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/election-programming
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