CERA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CERA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the purpose of an election calendar in planning? → To schedule and track all election milestones
2. Which activity is part of pre-election preparation? → Polling place setup and staff training
3. What is a common tool used for managing polling places? → Polling place management system
4. Under the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA), how long must a state retain voter registration records and related materials? → At least 22 months
5. Which of the following security measures is most effective for preventing unauthorized access to a centralized voter registration system by election staff? → Implementing role-based access control with multi-factor authentication.
6. What is the risk of poorly maintained voter registration lists? → Errors that disrupt elections and reduce voter confidence
7. Which federal law created the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) as a backup for military and overseas voters? → UOCAVA
8. Why is logistical planning essential in election administration? → To ensure smooth and efficient operations during the election
9. Which agency supports election cybersecurity? → Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
10. Which technology can assist with accurate voter list maintenance? → Database cross-checking and data integration tools
11. Why is accurate voter registration crucial in elections? → To maintain election integrity and public confidence
12. What does the term 'vital records' mean in the context of election office records management? → Records essential to resuming operations during or after a disaster
13. If an absentee ballot is received after the statutory deadline, what must an election official do in most jurisdictions? → Set it aside uncounted and document it according to state law
14. When an election office receives a public records request for a voter registration list, which type of information is most commonly exempt from disclosure? → Voter's Social Security number
15. What is the importance of contingency planning? → To prepare for disruptions and ensure election continuity
16. An election office receives a request for a list of voters who voted in the last primary election. This type of record is generally known as: → A poll book or voter history file
17. Which of the following is a federal agency involved in election compliance? → U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC)
18. What is the role of state election laws? → They provide specific rules and guidelines for election operations within the state
19. Which term describes the documented chain of custody showing how a record has been handled, transferred, and stored over time? → Chain of custody
20. What is multi-factor authentication in election systems? → A security measure requiring multiple identity verifications
21. What is the function of election observers? → To ensure the election process is fair and open
22. Which of the following is a challenge of voter list maintenance? → Identifying and removing outdated or duplicate entries without disenfranchising voters
23. What is a 'cure' process in the context of absentee ballot administration? → Allowing voters to correct deficiencies such as a missing signature before the deadline
24. Which document guides the structure of an election? → Election planning document
25. Under most state open records laws, how quickly must an election office typically acknowledge receipt of a public records request? → Within 3 to 5 business days
26. What type of testing is essential before deploying voting systems? → Logic and accuracy testing to validate system reliability
27. Which of the following is a key principle of sound office management in an elections environment? → Developing and documenting clear, written procedures for all major processes.
28. When an absentee ballot is returned in an envelope that lacks the required voter signature, what is the most appropriate first action for an election official? → Attempt to notify the voter so they can cure the deficiency if state law permits
29. Which system is used to manage registered voters electronically? → Electronic Voter Registration System (EVRS)
30. Which section of HAVA requires that election officials maintain certain records related to provisional ballots and voter registration for a minimum period? → Section 302