Three Michigan cities are testing a new process designed to provide strong statistical evidence that the election outcome is correct. The “risk-limiting audit” is a relatively new election security measure being tested across Michigan this week. It’s designed to detect irregularities that could influence reported election outcomes, including cyber-attacks and unintentional machine or human errors. The goal of the pilot will be to determine how risk-limiting audits could be rolled out statewide. Kalamazoo, Lansing and Rochester Hills will also pilot the procedure during the first week of December. “Our goal as election administrators is to foster confidence in the electoral process, the results of that process, and ultimately our democratic institutions,” said Kalamazoo City Clerk Scott Borling. “Michigan voters put their faith in us to conduct free and fair elections. The Risk-Limiting Audit provides another tool and opportunity to demonstrate their trust is well placed.”
Results from the Nov. 6 election will be audited from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kalamazoo City Hall on Wednesday.
The audit aims to confirm whether reported election results are correct and detect possible anomalies that may need further scrutiny. Ballots will be randomly selected based on a mathematical formula to confirm that the ballot tabulators tallied them correctly.
Michigan’s election system already incorporates election security measures recommended by national security and cybersecurity experts, however, risk-limiting audits are intended to complement existing procedures.
Full Article: ‘Risk-Limiting’ Audits Could Provide Election Assurances.