Election Vote Counting: Lessons from Canada’s Efficient Processes

How long does it usually take to count all of the votes in US presidential elections? The answer is often a week or more, and it can be even longer if legal cases arise in one or more states. This raises concerns about efficiency and accuracy in the voting process. By examining Canada's methods, we can learn valuable lessons that can be applied to improve the counting and recounting of votes in the United States.

Current Outcomes in US Elections

In the United States, the process of counting votes can be a lengthy one. Monday voting and absentee ballots, which are significant parts of the voting process, can stretch out the timeline. Once these ballots are counted, they are placed in a secure lock until the main voting day. On that day, the ballots are counted the same night, but the entire process can take over a week, particularly if there are legal disputes that require court cases.

Election Day and Beyond: A Comparison

Let's take a closer look at the counting process in a First World nation, such as Canada. In Canada, ballots are counted by hand on election night and reported immediately. During the last federal election, I had the opportunity to serve as a Deputy Returning Officer and witnessed the straightforward and efficient process. Here is what a typical day looks like from the perspective of a returning officer.

Voting and Initial Steps

A voter would arrive at the poll and present their identification. Similar to First World nations, this is a standard procedure. Their name would be marked off, and they would receive a ballot. Meanwhile, the return officer would tear off the tab (which contains the serial number) and place it in a separate container. This ensures that the tab’s integrity is maintained.

Counting and Verification

Once behind the screen, the voter would unfold and mark their ballot, refold it, and return it to the return officer who would drop it into a ballot box. At the end of the night, the ballot box would be unsealed, and the ballots would be taken out one by one. Each ballot would be physically shown to the clerk, who would record the result on a tally sheet and place it in piles according to the candidate. The number of ballots was then compared to the number of tabs in the container. This reconciliation is a critical step. In the election I observed, there was a discrepancy of one ballot, which we managed to resolve before closing.

Electoral Integrity and Transparency

Observation of the voting process is crucial for maintaining trust in elections. In Canada, election observers from both major parties are invited and welcome to attend throughout the process—from the mechanics at the poll to the counting at the end. The idea that counting could take place over several days or that ballots could be "found" is simply not practical. The number of blank ballots received corresponded to the number of people registered on the election roll, ensuring that the number of votes cast was consistent with the number of registered voters.

The Case for Reform

Given the lengthy and sometimes controversial counting process in the United States, it makes sense to look to Canada for a model of efficiency and transparency. Canada has no Election Commission analog, meaning the Prime Minister and the ruling party only represent the Toronto region. To truly improve the voting system, there needs to be a systemic overhaul that fully represents the entire country.

Implementing Canadian Standards in the US

The United States could start by engaging its legislatures to implement steps similar to those in Canada. This would include:

Imposing stringent requirements on the counting process to ensure it is conducted on election night and verified promptly. Allowing independent and transparent observation by both parties during the entire process. Ensuring consistency in the number of ballots and tabs to prevent discrepancies.

By adopting these practices, the US can significantly improve the efficiency and reliability of its election counting processes. This would not only reduce the time it takes to count votes but also enhance public trust in the electoral system.

Conclusion

While the United States has established an electoral process with a rich history, it can benefit greatly by examining and adopting elements from the efficient Canadian methodology. By implementing these steps, the US could create a more transparent, reliable, and efficient system for counting and verifying votes. To move towards this goal, it is essential to engage in meaningful dialogue with the appropriate legislative bodies and stakeholders.