Definition
It includes voter eligibility, ballot security, accurate counting, auditing, transparency, equal access, lawful campaigning, and reliable certification.
Political Dictionary
Election Integrity
Election integrity is the condition in which elections are lawful, secure, accurate, accessible, and trusted.
Why It Matters
Public confidence and legitimate transfers of power depend on well-administered elections.
How It Works
Officials use chain-of-custody rules, testing, poll-worker training, observation, canvassing, audits, and legal review.
History
Election safeguards developed over time through secret ballots, registration systems, bipartisan procedures, technology standards, and auditing.
Example
A jurisdiction tests voting equipment before an election and audits ballots afterward.
Common Misconceptions
- Election integrity refers only to fraud prevention.
- Security and voter access cannot coexist.
- Any administrative error proves an election result is invalid.
Related Terms
- Election Commission
- Federal Election Commission
- Audit
- Certification
- Voter Registration
Related Topics
See Also