Updated April 16, 2025 Provisional Ballots An overview of state laws on the use of provisional ballots. Elections Table Video
Updated October 30, 2024 What the Experts Say: 9 Election Authorities Tackle Common Voter Questions The elections are just days away. In this final stretch, NCSL asked nine experts common questions about how prepared states are to continue their long tradition of running excellent elections. Elections State Legislatures News
Updated September 27, 2024 Rules for Challenging Voter Eligibility Vary Across the States Almost every state has laws concerning voter challenges to ensure elections remain fair and guarantee that only eligible voters cast ballots. Elections State Legislatures News
Updated September 25, 2024 With a Good Plan, There’s No Need to Worry When Election Emergencies Strike How do election officials cope with emergencies? By following state laws; looking ahead with continuity of operations plans, also known as COOPs; focusing on practical measures such as protecting supplies, equipment, power and internet connectivity; and building relationships with partners who can assist when needed. Elections State Legislatures News
Updated August 14, 2024 Transparency Can Tame Even the Most Skeptical Election Critic Transparency in the election process is both important and illuminating, officials say. When election critics watch the process up close, or even get directly involved, they tend to become fans. Elections State Legislatures News
Updated June 20, 2024 Elections Defined: A Look at Voter Registration List Maintenance Good list maintenance helps with efficiency and accuracy throughout the election process. Elections State Legislatures News Video
Updated June 20, 2024 Elections Defined: Tackling Voter ID Laws When voters show up to vote, how do election workers know they are who they say they are? Elections State Legislatures News Video
Updated June 20, 2024 Elections Defined: A Closer Look at Results Reporting When polls close, it’s exciting to know who won and who lost. However, it takes time to count all the ballots. Elections State Legislatures News Video
Updated June 20, 2024 Elections Defined: Canvassing and Certification of Ballots In most states, a local canvassing board reviews and confirms election results. Elections State Legislatures News Video
Updated June 20, 2024 Elections Defined: Post-Election Audits Allow for Spot-Checks State law determines exactly what kind of post-election audit is used well before an election takes place. Elections State Legislatures News Video
Updated June 20, 2024 Elections Defined: The Roles of Poll Workers vs. Poll Watchers It’s easy to confuse poll workers with poll watchers. Here's an explanation. Elections State Legislatures News Video
Updated June 20, 2024 Elections Defined: The Purpose of Pre-Processing Ballots Each state has its own law on when processing can begin. Elections State Legislatures News Video