Primary definition
A generic term referring to election results, derived from the fact that vote totals are reported on sheets "returned" to the county or municipal election authority.
Also known asresults · tallies · vote counts · election returns · official returns
2 sources cited4 related termsReviewed Aug 9, 2026
— Electronic Voting GlossaryView source
Understand more election terms clearly
Get one important election term explained each week, with authoritative sources, practical context and related definitions.
Free. One useful email each week. Unsubscribe anytime.Learn more about the ESG newsletter →
EVG
Carnegie Mellon University
A generic term referring to election results, derived from the fact that vote totals are reported on sheets "returned" to the county or municipal election authority.
Electronic Voting Glossary · 2024
Cite this term
Permanent URL · stable across revisions
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Returns. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 20, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/returns
Sources
2 cited · last checked Aug 9, 2026
01
Electronic Voting Glossary
Electronic Voting Glossary
High consensus
02
EAC Glossary of Terms
EAC Glossary of Terms
Disputed
Get the weekly election term
Receive one cited, source-backed election explanation in your inbox each week.
Get election terms explained weekly →
Free · Nonpartisan · Unsubscribe anytime.