Counting ballot sheets and/or selections on ballot sheets by human examination.
What is manual tabulation of ballots?
The term Manual Tabulation Of Ballots refers to the hand counting of paper ballots or voter selections by election workers rather than relying solely on automated scanning or electronic tabulation. It gives election, security, legal, or technical readers a specific label for the concept rather than a broader everyday meaning.
How is manual tabulation of ballots used to count votes?
Election officials use Manual Tabulation Of Ballots to create, organize, verify, communicate, or reconcile information connected with the hand counting of paper ballots or voter selections by election workers rather than relying solely on automated scanning or electronic tabulation. Documented handling makes the record easier to check later and can support canvassing, auditing, certification, retention, or public reporting.
Why does manual tabulation of ballots matter for election results?
Understanding Manual Tabulation Of Ballots matters because election records and results need to be traceable, reviewable, and handled consistently. Here, the term refers to the hand counting of paper ballots or voter selections by election workers rather than relying solely on automated scanning or electronic tabulation.
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Counting ballot sheets and/or selections on ballot sheets by human examination.
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Manual Tabulation Of Ballots. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 25, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/manual-tabulation-of-ballots
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