Jurisdictions across the country have seen a significant increase in mail voting during their 2020 primary elections due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Several jurisdictions have required additional time to tabulate results — an indication that they will likely need more time and resources for the November general election. Verified Voting completed an analysis to better understand how many jurisdictions currently counting mail ballots on hand-fed scanners or by hand may face an unprecedented volume of mail ballots for this technology in the 2020 general election. Our study concluded that it is likely that most jurisdictions could manage the increase of mail ballots for one election using their current equipment if they have the additional staff, extended canvassing time, and ability to reallocate hand-fed scanners to process ballots. All jurisdictions need resources to do this, which is why Verified Voting continues to urge Congress to pass federal funding now, and for state government officials to extend canvassing deadlines to help ensure that all votes are counted as cast.
The Voting News
A News Service of the Verified Voting Foundation
