Voting resources allocation
Handling ballots with high integrity is at the core of election officials’ work because ballots express the will of voters. From ballot creation to audits of processes and results, election officials ensure the accuracy and security of ballots. The approach to achieving standards will vary between states based on what is permissible, but all election officials prioritize handling ballots with high integrity. This is one of four standards that define excellence in ballots and audits. This draft standard will be updated based on feedback from the election community.
Standard
Your election office allocates the needed ballots, supplies, and equipment for voters to cast their ballots with ease. To achieve this standard:
- You allocate the needed resources for all voting methods in your jurisdiction based on voters’ needs and preferences.
- You have a plan for meeting the changing resource needs of voting locations throughout the voting period.
- You have contingency plans to allocate resources in case of emergencies.
- You implement quality control measures to ensure voters are issued the correct ballots.
- You review your resource allocation process after each election to identify successes and opportunities for improvement.
Why this standard matters
It is important that we are explicit about the underlying why for each standard. While not attached to measurements, the intended impact of an election department achieving this standard is that:
- Election departments will save staff time with well-planned procedures that quickly address resource concerns.
- Voters have a positive experience moving through the voting process and do not experience unnecessary delays.
- Voters cast their votes as intended for the contests in which they are eligible to vote.