Which statement about ballot handling is accurate?

• A. Ballots are counted without any verification.
• B. Ballots are stored only electronically.
• C. A chain of custody ensures ballots are protected from receipt to counting and storage.
• D. Ballots are destroyed immediately after counting.

Answer: (C)

Maintaining a chain of custody for ballots is essential to election integrity. It means every ballot is tracked from the moment it is received, through any transport and storage, all the way to counting and finally storage or disposal. This documented handoff prevents loss, tampering, or misplacement, and creates an auditable trail that can be reviewed during recounts or investigations. Since ballots are physical records, having secure seals, restricted access, and clear logs of who handled them and when is crucial to ensure the process is trustworthy and transparent.

That’s why the statement about a chain of custody protecting ballots from receipt through counting and storage is the best. Ballots aren’t simply counted without verification, and they aren’t stored only electronically—physical ballots exist and must be safeguarded. They aren’t destroyed immediately after counting either, since retention periods are typically required for audits and potential recounts.