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RICHMOND, VA – Immediately following an election the
canvassing process begins. The Electoral Boards in each locality
are required to meet to ascertain the results of all elections.
During the canvass process it is true that vote totals may change
and it DOES NOT necessarily mean the locality erred.
The canvass process is designed to ensure the accuracy of
elections and all results are unofficial until they are certified.
Therefore, the vote totals will change during the canvass
process.
The canvass process includes:
reviewing provisional ballots and deciding whether to count or
reject
collecting voting equipment vote summaries from the precincts
rechecking the total number of ballots cast compared with the
number of names on the pollbook
certifying the results
Until the election results are certified by the local Electoral
Board, election officials work several days, 12 or more hours
straight, in order to properly conduct the canvass process. The
fact that the numbers change in the vote totals means the
canvassing process works.
A provisional
ballot, which is reviewed during the canvass process, is a paper
ballot which is cast separately and sealed in a green envelope.
Provisional ballots are used:
When the
voter’s name is not on the poll book, but the voter
believes he or she is registered in that precinct and the
registrar’s office cannot be contacted to verify that the
voter is registered.
When a
first-time voter in a Federal election who registered by mail
without identification is unable to present an acceptable form of
identification.
When a voter
who has sent an absentee ballot appears at their polling place
stating that their ballot was not received or was lost, and no
absentee ballot has yet been received from that voter.
When normal
voting hours are extended by a court order.
For more information, go to the State Board of Elections website
at www.sbe.virginia.gov.
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