An interim of a voting system pending the opportunity for a full examination CERTIFICATION or waiver of examination. For example, a vendor may make software modifications to a previously certified system. If the changes do not affect the accuracy of the system, it may be desirable to issue a provisional certification so that use of the updated system will be legal until a subsequent examination is conducted. The consequences of allowing a system to fall out of certification can be severe. The jurisdiction would not be able to use the system and would have to provide an alternate means of voting.
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An interim of a voting system pending the opportunity for a full examination CERTIFICATION or waiver of examination. For example, a vendor may make software modifications to a previously certified system. If the changes do not affect the accuracy of the system, it may be desirable to issue a provisional certification so that use of the updated system will be legal until a subsequent examination is conducted. The consequences of allowing a system to fall out of certification can be severe. The jurisdiction would not be able to use the system and would have to provide an alternate means of voting.
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Provisional Certification. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 20, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/provisional-certification
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