While the term has the informal meaning of the "results of an election," it is precisely defined in some state statutes, generally encompassing "that which is returned to the county by the local boards of election." In New Mexico, it is "the certificate of the precinct board showing the total number of votes cast for each candidate, or for or against each proposed constitutional amendment or other question, and may include statements of canvass, signature rosters, poll books, tally books, machine printed returns and, in any canvass of returns for county candidates, the original certificates of registration in the possession of the county clerk, together with the copies of certificates of registration in the office of the county clerk." N.M. Stat. Ann. §1-1-8.
What are election returns?
The term Election Returns refers to the reported vote totals and related election information returned from precincts or other reporting units to election officials for canvassing and certification. It gives election, security, legal, or technical readers a specific label for the concept rather than a broader everyday meaning.
How are election returns reported?
Election officials use Election Returns to create, organize, verify, communicate, or reconcile information connected with the reported vote totals and related election information returned from precincts or other reporting units to election officials for canvassing and certification. Documented handling makes the record easier to check later and can support canvassing, auditing, certification, retention, or public reporting.
Why are election returns reviewed before certification?
Understanding Election Returns matters because election records and results need to be traceable, reviewable, and handled consistently. Here, the term refers to the reported vote totals and related election information returned from precincts or other reporting units to election officials for canvassing and certification.
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While the term has the informal meaning of the "results of an election," it is precisely defined in some state statutes, generally encompassing "that which is returned to the county by the local boards of election." In New Mexico, it is "the certificate of the precinct board showing the total number of votes cast for each candidate, or for or against each proposed constitutional amendment or other question, and may include statements of canvass, signature rosters, poll books, tally books, machine printed returns and, in any canvass of returns for county candidates, the original certificates of registration in the possession of the county clerk, together with the copies of certificates of registration in the office of the county clerk." N.M. Stat. Ann. §1-1-8.
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Election Returns. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 22, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/election-returns
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