Testing, surveillance and audits secure Whatcom elections

The Whatcom County official local voters’ pamphlet lists procedures the Whatcom County Auditor’s Office and Washington Office of the Secretary of State use before, during and after the election to secure its results. 

Before the election, a logic and accuracy test is completed. The test ensures that the counting system will correctly count votes cast for all candidates and measures. Ballots from all precincts and every type are tested, while independent observers and the secretary’s office verify results.

During the election, ballot processing occurs in the election center, which is secured with proximity locks and monitored with 24-hour video surveillance. Live webcams allow the public to watch the processing work. All tabulation equipment is on a closed network, not connected to the internet. Ballots are also secured in tamper-evident bags. 

After Election Day, a representative from each political party randomly selects batches to be hand counted. This is a random batch audit, or hand count. The totals are compared with vote totals taken from the equipment. A risk limiting audit is also taken, where a random sample of voted ballots is examined in teams of two. A formula lays out the required number of ballots to be audited to reach statistical confidence in the results.

Whatcom County auditor Diana Bradrick said in a letter to voters that she has made an effort to improve voters’ view into the election process and that transparent policies and procedures are critical to voter confidence. 

The auditor’s office also offers voters opportunities to observe election activities after they have completed an observer training session.

More information on election security and voter information and instructions can be found in the voters’ pamphlet and online at bit.ly/3MGQX3T and bit.ly/3D7ulFA.