Guides
Long-form explainers, how-tos, and background on election administration. Every guide cites named public sources and is reviewed before publication.
Latest guides
Every guide is sourced from named public references and reviewed by the editorial team before publication.
Election Security Guides
How Election Officials Account for Every Ballot
Learn how election officials reconcile ballots with voter check-ins, spoiled and provisional ballots, unused inventory and other election records.
Martins Ogundare · ESG Editor
5 min read
Election Security Guides
How Ballot Adjudication Determines Voter Intent
Learn how election officials review ambiguous ballot marks, apply voter-intent rules, document decisions and prepare ballots for counting.
Martins Ogundare · ESG Editor
5 min read
Election Security Guides
How Poll Watchers, Observers and Challengers Differ
Learn how poll watchers, election observers and challengers differ, what they may do, and why their powers and access vary by state.
Martins Ogundare · ESG Editor
7 min read
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Election Security Guides
How Electronic Poll Books Work and Stay Secure
Learn how electronic poll books check in voters, connect to registration records, and use access controls, encryption and other security safeguards.
Martins Ogundare · ESG Editor
7 min read
Election Security Guides
How Provisional Ballots Work and When They Count
Learn why provisional ballots are issued, how election officials verify eligibility, and when all, part or none of a provisional ballot is counted.
Martins Ogundare · ESG Editor
7 min read
Election Security Guides
How U.S. Voter Registration Lists Are Maintained
Learn how U.S. election officials update voter registration lists, handle address changes and duplicates, and remove records under federal and state rules.
Martins Ogundare · ESG Editor
7 min read
Election Security Guides
How Logic and Accuracy Testing Checks Voting Equipment
Learn how election officials use logic and accuracy testing to check ballot styles, voting equipment and tabulation before voting begins.
Martins Ogundare · ESG Editor
7 min read
Election Security Guides
What Is an Electoral Management Body (EMB)? Roles and Models Explained
Learn what electoral management bodies do, how independent, governmental and mixed EMB models differ, and how election administration varies worldwide.
Martins Ogundare · ESG Editor
7 min read
Election Security Guides
What Is a Voter-Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT), and How Does It Work?
Learn how voter-verified paper audit trails create a paper record of electronic selections and support election audits, recounts and verification.
Martins Ogundare · ESG Editor
7 min read
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