Title: Counting the Vote During the 2020 Election | Bipartisan Policy Center
Headings: Counting the Vote During the 2020 Election
Counting the Vote During the 2020 Election
Introduction
Summary of Recommendations
Defining the Counting Process: Envelope or no Envelope
Signature Verification and Curing
Signature Curing
Processing Absentee Ballots
Passing Provisional Ballots
Reporting Unofficial Results
Public Health and Counting the Vote
Mail Logistics
Obstacles to Mail Ballot Delivery and Receipt
Best Practices for Mail Voting
Accessibility in Mail Voting
Conclusion
Downloads and Resources
Join Our Mailing List

Content: That report, Logical Election Policy, remains relevant in spite of the upheaval in elections caused by COVID-19 and forms the foundation of the recommendations included in this report. The Task Force urges policymakers to consider the following recommendations to improve the vote counting process this election season: Remove excessive absentee ballot verification measures, such as requiring witnesses or a notary, to help make absentee voting accessible to all voters. States should instead rely on signature verification—a process already used by thirty-one states. Allow sufficient time for voters to cure deficiencies in vote-by-mail ballots, even if this period extends beyond Election Day. Request additional points of contact, such as a voter’s email address or cell phone number, during the voter registration and absentee ballot application process. This is especially important for jurisdictions which allow signature curing. This information should be exempt from public disclosure. Allow election officials to begin processing ballots at least seven days before Election Day. Note, however, election administrators should also be restricted from producing results until the polls have closed.