CERA - Certified Elections Registration Administrator Ballot Management and Tabulation Questions and Answers

Question 1

During a public Logic and Accuracy (L&A) test before an election, a tabulation machine incorrectly reads several ballots from a pre-marked test deck. What is the most appropriate immediate action for the election administrator to take?

Accepted Answer

Document the error, immediately remove the specific machine from service for the upcoming election, and repeat the full test on a replacement machine.

Answer

The purpose of Logic and Accuracy testing is to ensure all voting equipment is functioning correctly before an election. [5, 9] If a machine fails, the proper procedure is to document the failure, sequester the malfunctioning unit to prevent its use, and conduct a new, complete test on a replacement machine to verify its accuracy publicly. [5]

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of maintaining a strict chain of custody for voted ballots?

Accepted Answer

To create a chronological, verifiable audit trail that accounts for the possession and transfer of ballots at all times, ensuring their integrity.

Answer

Chain of custody is a fundamental security procedure that creates an unbroken, documented record of who had control of sensitive materials, like voted ballots, at all times. [12, 14, 15] This chronological paper trail prevents unauthorized access, tampering, or loss and is essential for demonstrating the integrity of the election process. [14, 15]

Question 3

An election official is processing absentee ballot return envelopes and finds a signature that does not appear to match the signature on file for the voter. According to widespread best practices, what should be the official's next step?

Accepted Answer

Have the mismatched signature reviewed by a bipartisan team of trained election officials for secondary verification.

Answer

Signature verification is a critical but subjective process. Best practices and, in many states, law require a multi-level review process to avoid disenfranchising eligible voters. [26] If an initial review flags a potential mismatch, the next step is typically to have a bipartisan team conduct a secondary review. [24] Many jurisdictions also have a 'cure' process to notify the voter and give them an opportunity to resolve the discrepancy. [26]

Question 4

What is the primary objective of conducting a Risk-Limiting Audit (RLA) following an election?

Accepted Answer

To provide strong statistical evidence that the reported election outcome is correct, or to trigger a full recount if a discrepancy is found.

Answer

A Risk-Limiting Audit (RLA) is a post-election procedure that uses statistical sampling of paper ballots to provide a high degree of confidence that the reported winner is correct. [1, 2] It is not a full recount by default; rather, it is designed to confirm the outcome efficiently or escalate to a larger count if the sample reveals a potential problem with the tabulated results. [1, 4]

Question 5

In the post-election ballot reconciliation process for a precinct, what is the main goal?

Accepted Answer

To ensure that all ballots issued to the precinct are accounted for by balancing voted, spoiled, provisional, and unused ballots against the total number received.

Answer

Ballot reconciliation, or ballot accounting, is a critical audit function. [3, 7] Its primary goal is to ensure that every ballot provided to a precinct is accounted for after the polls close. [3, 11] This is done by reconciling the total number of ballots issued with the sum of ballots cast, spoiled ballots, provisional ballots issued, and unused ballots returned, ensuring the integrity of the precinct's results. [3, 20]

CERA - Certified Elections Registration Administrator Practice Test

CERA - Certified Elections Registration Administrator Practice Test

CERA - Certified Elections Registration Administrator Ballot Management and Tabulation Questions and Answers