Election Assistance Commission issues training on six common election audits

A presenter for the Election Assistance Commission opened a training course explaining where election audits can occur and how officials can use them to check election processes and results. The course, aimed at election officials, said audits may take place before, during or after an election and that some audits are required by state law while others are optional.

The training focused on six common audit types used across the United States. It described districting audits as checks that compare a sample of voter assignments in the registration system against political district boundary maps, often using manual comparison or GIS tools to detect geocoding errors and mismatches. The presenter said these audits are particularly useful after boundary changes.

Voter registration audits, the training said, help officials identify staff training needs and demonstrate the accuracy and security of the voter list. Accessibility audits review polling locations and election offices for features such as accessible parking, ramps, passenger drop‑off areas and unobstructed walkways; the presenter tied those checks to requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Pre‑election logic and accuracy testing was described as a ‘‘dress rehearsal’’ that uses test ballots and the same equipment voters will use. The course explained L&A testing occurs after ballots are finalized and equipment configured but before voting begins; test ballots with predetermined vote patterns are run through scanners and compared to expected totals to verify programming and operation.

On post‑election procedures, the presenter described tabulation audits that hand‑count a sampled portion of ballots (often by precinct, location or device) and compare audited totals to reported results to provide evidence ballots were counted correctly. Risk‑limiting audits (RLAs) were defined as audits that statistically test whether the reported winner of a contest truly won; the training noted that contest margin and other factors determine how many ballots must be examined.

The presenter also discussed procedural or compliance audits, which review records and materials used during the election — such as notices, L&A materials, chain‑of‑custody documentation, reconciliation reports and certification reports — and emphasized that detailed records and secure chains of custody are essential for trustworthy audit outcomes.

The training repeatedly reminded officials to consult state laws and regulations for mandatory requirements and to tailor audit implementation to their jurisdictions. It ended with a final summary that attendees should now understand when audits occur in the election cycle, the six common types discussed, and the purposes and outcomes each audit can produce.

The course concluded with a thank you to participants for completing the Election Assistance Commission training.