Audit Introduction

From www.electionaudits.org

What

A post-election audit refers to hand-counting votes on paper records and comparing those counts to the corresponding vote counts originally reported, as a check on the accuracy of election results, and resolving discrepancies using accurate hand counts of the paper records as the benchmark.

Why

No voting system is perfect. Nearly all US elections today are counted using electronic voting systems. Such voting systems have produced resultchanging errors through problems with hardware, software, and procedures.  Errors can also occur in hand counting of ballots or in the compiling of results. Even serious error can go undetected if results are not audited effectively.

Benefits

• Revealing when recounts are necessary to verify election outcomes
• Finding error whether accidental or intentional
• Deterring fraud
• Providing for continuous improvement in the conduct of elections
• Promoting public confidence in elections

Principles and Best Practices for Post-Election Audits