Washington, November 04,2024- As the United States prepares for Election Day, Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and Republican candidate Donald Trump have campaigned tirelessly, appealing to voters and presenting their platforms. This election, nearly 95% of registered voters live in areas where paper ballots will be the primary method for voting.
How Are Votes Cast in U.S. Elections?
The U.S. operates a highly decentralized election system, unlike countries with centralized election bodies. While the Federal Election Commission (FEC) oversees campaign finance, state and local authorities manage the voting process. Each state has its regulations, from voter eligibility to ballot design and counting procedures, making voting and vote-counting practices vary across the country.
Voting Methods
In the U.S., voters cast ballots primarily through three methods:
- Hand-Marked Paper Ballots: Used by 69.9% of voters, this traditional method involves manually marking paper ballots.
- Ballot Marking Devices (BMDs): Used by 25.1% of voters, these computerized devices allow selections on a screen, then print a paper ballot for verification. BMDs are particularly useful for voters with disabilities and were implemented under the Help America Vote Act (HAVA).
- Direct Recording Electronic (DRE) Systems: Used by only 5% of voters (mostly in Louisiana and Nevada), these electronic machines record votes without a paper trail. DRE usage has declined significantly due to security concerns.
The shift from electronic to paper-based systems came after issues such as the “butterfly ballot” in Florida in 2000 and heightened concerns over security following reports of interference in the 2016 election. Most jurisdictions now rely on hand-marked ballots or BMDs.
How Votes Are Counted
Votes from hand-marked paper ballots and BMDs are typically scanned with optical scanners, which automatically record and tabulate the results. States may conduct audits, either machine-assisted or manual, to verify accuracy. Each state has its timeline for certifying results, with the official vote tally due by December 11.
- In-Person Votes: In-person votes, cast on Election Day or during early voting, are counted after polls close. Paper ballots are sent to counting centers, while data from digital voting machines is either transmitted electronically or hand-delivered for processing.
- Mail-In Ballots: Mail-in ballot processing varies by state. In many cases, election officials can verify ballots before Election Day, though actual counting usually starts that day, with results held until after polls close.
Verification of Mail-In Ballots
Each state requires a signature on mail-in ballots, often using signature matching or additional verification methods like a witness signature or notarization.
Ballot Curing
Some states allow “ballot curing,” enabling voters to fix issues, such as mismatched signatures, to ensure their ballot is counted. Curing deadlines vary: some states require curing by Election Day, while others allow it afterward. Eight states do not permit ballot curing.
Provisional Ballots
Provisional ballots, used if there’s uncertainty about voter eligibility, are hand-counted once verified. Military and overseas ballots also require verification, which can extend the timeline.
The Electoral College
The U.S. President is ultimately elected by 538 electors representing all states and the District of Columbia, with electoral votes allocated based on state populations. Except for Maine and Nebraska, states follow a “winner-take-all” system, awarding all electoral votes to the candidate who wins the state’s popular vote. To win the presidency, a candidate must secure at least 270 electoral votes.
Certification and Inauguration
On January 6, a joint session of Congress, led by the Vice President, counts the electoral votes. A candidate reaching 270 votes is declared President-elect, even if they did not win the national popular vote. Inauguration occurs on January 20, marking the beginning of the new four-year term for the President-elect.
