Hand Counting

Truly Transparent Tabulation

Eye on Election is dedicated to promoting positive solutions, as well as exposing fraud. And one of the solutions we are advocating for is a new method of processing ballots at the polling stations, that we call the Truly Transparent Tabulation (TTT) system.

The TTT method is much more than just a practical and efficient way to hand-count ballots. Before tabulation even begins TTT makes sure that valid, verifiable ballot images are photocopied and made pubic as quick as possible after the polls close. That means not just the hand-counting team, but that every voter can be assured that all ballots are being counted.

The TTT system emphasizes transparency and verifiablility from start to finish. It relies ENTIRELY on off-the-shelf office supplies, rather than proprietary software or high tech consulting services. TTT is a practical, inexpensive, and easy-to-understand method of processing ballots, and it will help return control of elections from high tech, "election technology equipment" suppliers, to regular citizens.

Mock Precinct Count

Eye on Elections recently conducted a Mock Precinct Count, for the purpose of testing out the Truly Transparent Tabulation system. We simulated the process of counting ballots in a real election by opening the ballot box, sorting and scanning ballots, counting all precinct ballots by hand, and uploading all the data to a secure location, where it can be publicly viewed.

Our goal was to maximize transparency, posting all the scanned ballots, and tally results, directly to the internet so they can be inspected by anyone. You can view all files, including ballots, tally sheets, and final results, on this Mock Precinct Count website. We kept careful track of time and have writte up the results in the article Refuting Hand Count Critrics.

Learn to Hand Tally Ballots

Hand Counting ballots is an important part of the Truly Transparent Tabulation System, and Eye on Elections has been working for several months to develop a paractical and efficient method of hand counting ballots. We start by sorting ballots, immediately after the polls close, into "batches" of 50 ballots, and scanning them on a commercial document scanner. They are then posted to a public website as soon as possible.

Individual counters are responsible for counting batches of fifty, and whenever possible, key contests are double checked. After all batches have been tabulated, the final precinct counts are also posted on a publicly viewable file server. The process of counting a batch of fifty ballots is so simple, that almost anyone can learn to do it, with very limited training.

For those who would like to practice ballot counting from home, sample ballots and tally sheets that can be downloaded from this website. We are also willing to train Idaho residents who'd like to practice counting physical ballots in a group setting.

If you are a registered Idaho voter, and you would like to learn to hand count ballots, please fill out the form below, and a ballot counting coordinator for your region will be in contact with you.