We also statistically controlled for the state in which counties are located. State Differences Accounted for More Variation in Uncounted Presidential Votes Than Voting Equipment and Demographic Variables Combined

We next determined the incremental effects of voting equipment, county demographics, and state differences on counties’ percentage of uncounted presidential votes. Differences across states were of considerable importance in determining the prevalence of uncounted presidential votes and accounted for more of the variability (26 percent) in uncounted presidential votes across counties than demographic characteristics and type of voting equipment used combined. The following factors for which we had no data are among those that may have contributed to differences among states: 1.  voter education efforts, such as making sample ballots available prior 2.  the use of straight party ballots that enable voters to make one entry to cast votes for all offices on the ballot; 3.  the number of candidates on the ballot (including presidential, gubernatorial, or congressional candidates); 4.  the number of provisional ballots cast, and percentage of provisional ballots that were not counted; and 5.  the extent to which absentee and/or early voting occurred and if such ballots were counted using a different voting equipment than ballots cast on election day.
Why GAO Did This Study

Following the 2000 presidential election, concerns were raised about the election process, including the ability of some voting equipment to render a complete and accurate vote count. Furthermore, minorities and disadvantaged voters were seen as more likely to have their votes not counted because they may have used less reliable voting equipment than affluent white voters.

What GAO Found

GAO found that although the state in which counties are located had more of an effect on the number of uncounted presidential votes than did counties' demographic characteristics or voting equipment, there were statistically significant effects on uncounted presidential votes. State differences accounted for 26 percent of the total variation in uncounted presidential votes across counties. State differences may have included such factors as statewide voter education efforts, state standards for determining what is a valid vote, the use of straight party ballots, the number of candidates on the ballot, the use of provisional ballots, and the extent to which absentee or early voting occurred.