Which statement best describes the chain of custody in elections?

• A. Ballots are stored electronically only.
• B. Ballots are counted by a machine without any human oversight.
• C. Procedures to ensure ballots are protected from receipt to counting and storage.
• D. A method for tracking voter registration data.

Answer: (C)

The concept being tested is keeping a documented, verifiable path for ballots from receipt through counting and storage. The best description emphasizes that there are established procedures to protect ballots at every stage—from when a ballot is received, through transport and storage, to when it is counted and ultimately archived or discarded. This creates an auditable trail and helps detect tampering or errors, ensuring the integrity of the election.

So, the statement that best fits describes the organized procedures that safeguard ballots from receipt to counting and storage. It isn’t just about electronic storage, nor about counting by machine without oversight, and it isn’t about tracking voter registration data. Those aspects either misrepresent what the chain of custody covers or fall outside its scope.