Yellowstone County officials detail ballot handling process
Election Administrator Dayna Causby explains the verification, auditing, and tabulation steps that occur after a ballot enters a drop box.
By Grace Sullivan ·
Yellowstone County election officials outlined the multi-step process used to verify and count ballots ahead of Election Day.
Elections Administrator Dayna Causby described the procedure on Friday. She stated that every ballot entering the county undergoes signature verification. According to Causby, a ballot is rejected only if the signature is missing or does not match the voter's registration record. After a ballot leaves the drop box, it is handled by more than 15 staff members working in pairs. These workers count and check the envelopes multiple times before opening them. Causby noted that accepted ballots undergo two separate audit processes to ensure the total number of ballots in a batch matches the recorded count. The ballots are laid flat and recounted to confirm they are ready for the tabulation machines.
The tabulation process occurs on Monday. The machines sort ballots into three distinct bins. The bottom bin holds ballots with no errors. The middle bin contains ballots with write-in candidates. The top bin collects ballots that present an issue. Causby clarified that ballots in the top bin are not discarded. Instead, they are sent to a resolution board. This board consists of three members from different political parties who reconstruct the ballot according to the voter's intent. After the machines process the votes, a post-election audit takes place. This final check verifies that the machine tabulation matches the physical ballot.
Causby emphasized that chain of custody forms track the location of the ballots at every stage. She said these forms maintain the integrity of the process. Voters who cast ballots expressed their views on the experience. Cynthia Hill said she believes every voice matters, particularly for future generations. Monica Chesarek, a first-time voter, said casting a ballot made her feel accomplished and responsible. Chesarek added that using one's voice prevents others from making decisions on behalf of the voter.
The next step in this sequence is the physical processing of ballots on Monday, followed by the final post-election audit.
