Postal Service to help maintain accurate voter registration lists. In this chapter, we will describe (1) the frequency and availability of voting  before election day, (2) the mail-in absentee voting process and challenges  faced by election officials in conducting this type of voting, and (3) the  types of in-person absentee and early voting programs available and the  challenges encountered by election officials in administering these efforts. In close elections  where there are a large number of ballots that vote counting equipment  cannot read, questions may arise about the accuracy of the vote count, and  recounts may be required or election results contested.
What GAO Found

Events surrounding the 2000 presidential election raised concerns about the reliability of various types of voting equipment, the role of election officials, the disqualification of absentee ballots, and the accuracy of vote counts and recounts. As a result, public officials and various interest groups have proposed reforms to address perceived shortcomings. This report discusses: (1) voter registration; (2) absentee and early voting; (3) election day administration; and (4) vote counts, certification, and recounts.