During the extended count and litigation, we are hearing a lot of terms tossed around that are usually the special reserve of election law geeks.  So here is a quick primer on some of these terms.

Audit — This term typically covers the process of double-checking the count.  While not every state does an audit, and the audit process differs from state to state, there are some aspects that are shared by several states.  First, the most simple audit is simply a check that the machines are functioning properly.  This typically involves a “test deck” with a known count to see the machine records the count correctly.  Second, several states do a hand count of random precincts and random races.  As with the test deck, the hand count is to make certain that the machines are roughly correct. Of course, a hand count will pick-up some ballots that the machine is unable to read.  If this part of the audit reveals a significant deviation from the machine count, it can be expanded to cover more precincts and more races.  Third, some states do other types of machine tests to verify the programming.  Fourth, depending on the state, an audit might include checks to make sure that the counts of ballots and voters match.

Canvass — This term is somewhat slippery as it is sometimes used to refer to local processes and state processes and often includes the certification process.  At it’s most simple, it refers to the local process of reviewing ballots — primarily absentee and provisional — and making sure that the vote totals from all precincts and voting centers are accurately recorded.    If there is time, the canvass can include an attempt to resolve any discrepancies in the counts of ballots and voters. Continue Reading...