The Hand Count Workload Calculator is a simulation tool that helps election officials estimate the resources needed to conduct a hand count of ballots, whether for initial tabulation, an audit, or a recount. Officials can determine how many counting teams are needed to meet a deadline or how long a count will take with a fixed staff. Default timing data is based on observational data from a Northeastern state in November 2024.
Resources
Use our resource library to explore the latest research in the field of election science.
This structured testing protocol can help identify e-pollbook usability problems before Election Day, using mock-election scenarios with poll workers. Helps election officials evaluate existing systems and make informed procurement decisions.
The Center for Civic Design provides this toolkit for election officials to create educational materials about Election Day and post-election processes, adaptable to any jurisdiction. It helps election offices communicate clearly with voters and poll workers about what happens on and after Election Day.
The Accessible Voting Machines Calculator is a simulation tool that helps election officials estimate how many accessible voting machines are needed to maintain reasonable voter wait times. Officials can enter information about thier voting process and voter population and run simulations to produce recommended resource allocations.
This tool provides a training guide and customizable slide presentation to help election officials prepare poll workers to assist voters with disabilities in marking, verifying, and casting their ballots while preserving voter independence and privacy. It was published as NIST VTS 100-2.
This resource consists of a collection of EAC best practices, materials, and guidance to support election officials in delivering equal and accessible voting experiences, including resources on ADA-compliant equipment, accessible polling place design, and serving voters with disabilities.
This resources features a guidance handbook for testing voting systems against the usability and accessibility requirements in the Voluntary Voting System Guidelines (VVSG) 2.0. It supports election officials and testing labs in evaluating whether voting equipment meets federal usability standards.
This publicly available interactive tool (currently in beta) allows election officials to map the layout and setup of voting equipment at an in-person polling location. Users can generate a custom, to-scale model of their space, incorporate key elements such as electrical outlets, doors, and windows, or select from common layout designs. Designs can be printed and shared with polling location leads to facilitate setup.
This toolkit provides signage guidelines and ready-to-use templates designed for election offices of any size. They include directional signs, accessibility notices, and voter instruction materials for both inside and outside the polling location.
This Publicly available, interactive tool helps election officials and their IT teams identify, understand, and prioritize cybersecurity solutions for their election operations.
This publicly available tool allows election offices to enter the quantities of equipment, materials, and archives they have and receive an estimate of the warehouse space required to store in-person voting materials.
This tool provides three resources to help election officials write and design poll worker manuals that make it easy for poll workers to quickly find information, even in stressful situations on Election Day. It includes best practices, templates, and a toolkit.