Virginia 2023: Vote Counting and Election Certification Processes

This report provides a detailed look at the vote counting and certification processes that govern Virginia elections. We provide research on the officials administering elections, as well as the potential vulnerabilities that could pose a risk to the counting and certification process.

This report documents the election administration offices and personnel involved in the vote counting and certification process, detailing their role and responsibilities. (See an org chart here). We also provide in-depth information about each step involved in the counting and certification process.

Other highlights of this report:

• A timeline for the ongoing and overlapping processes for vote counting and certification, with different view options (calendar, timeline, or chart).

• An extensive research library looking at election personnel to determine if they pose a threat to election administration, with supporting evidence. 

• An overview of anti-democracy trends and the potential impact on Virginia elections.

In analyzing these processes, practices, and personnel, our goal is to build confidence in our election system — in the checks and quality assurance steps in place as well as the dedicated administrators who support these processes. We also want to bring light to potential vulnerabilities in the system in order to allow pro-democracy advocates and partners to better monitor our elections, target corrective action, and, in turn, protect the integrity of our elections.

Our voting systems are strong. Voters can and should feel confident that election administrators will count and certify votes accurately. This brief aims to ensure that our voting systems remain strong.

Please note this report is specific to the 2023 general election. If you have questions or feedback about this report or about prior research products, please email info@informingdemocracy.org.