The "first tape produced by an electronic tabulating machine that tallies the final vote totals at the conclusion of voting and that is attached to the zero tape produced by the machine prior to the start of voting." Me. Rev. Stat. §21-A-1(27-A).
What is official tally tape?
The term Official Tally Tape refers to a report printed by voting or tabulation equipment showing official or final vote totals recorded by that device after the close of voting. It gives election, security, legal, or technical readers a specific label for the concept rather than a broader everyday meaning.
How is official tally tape used in election results?
Election officials use Official Tally Tape to create, organize, verify, communicate, or reconcile information connected with a report printed by voting or tabulation equipment showing official or final vote totals recorded by that device after the close of voting. Documented handling makes the record easier to check later and can support canvassing, auditing, certification, retention, or public reporting.
How is official tally tape checked or verified?
Election officials use Official Tally Tape to create, organize, verify, communicate, or reconcile information connected with a report printed by voting or tabulation equipment showing official or final vote totals recorded by that device after the close of voting. Documented handling makes the record easier to check later and can support canvassing, auditing, certification, retention, or public reporting.
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The "first tape produced by an electronic tabulating machine that tallies the final vote totals at the conclusion of voting and that is attached to the zero tape produced by the machine prior to the start of voting." Me. Rev. Stat. §21-A-1(27-A).
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Official Tally Tape. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved September 3, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/official-tally-tape
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