Ballot graphic and machine

The Cost Factor: Making Vote-by-Mail Economically Viable

Processing absentee ballots creates added expenses for election boards, compared to traditional in-person voting. However, it also provides greater voting access and convenience for many voters. Counties and other jurisdictions faced with increasing volumes of incoming ballots via vote-by-mail are turning to technology. They need to reduce expenses for receiving, validating, and sorting high volumes of absentee ballots, prior to tabulation.

Laws in some states allow election workers to pre-process absentee ballots received before election day, with various rules dictating when they can begin preparing ballots for later tabulation. In other cases, the laws prohibit such work, requiring all the ballot processing activity to wait until election day. In both instances, the costs to handle vote-by-mail ballots start accumulating before the election as officials prepare.

Without automation, jurisdictions rely on expensive extra personnel to process incoming ballots. Besides the workflow delays and human errors inherent in manual processes, hiring more workers presents challenges and raises the cost of administering an election.

Election officials must recruit and vet temporary staff to receive returned ballots, verify signatures, and prepare ballots for counting. They may be required to ensure clerks represent all political parties equally and they spend money to train the temporary workers on absentee ballot procedures.

 

Does Vote-by-Mail Cost More or Less?

When evaluating the cost of vote by mail, several factors come into play. While some might assume that vote-by-mail would automatically reduce costs due to fewer in-person polling stations, the reality is more complex. Mail-in voting doesn’t necessarily eliminate any polling places.

 

Mailing Expenses

One of the most significant costs associated with vote-by-mail is the expense of mailing ballots. This includes the postage for sending the ballots to voters and also the return postage. In many states, election offices must cover the cost of return postage. For counties with high mail volumes, this can represent a substantial expense not incurred with electronic voting machines or paper ballots used for in-person voting. They must find economies in other places.

 

Processing Costs

Handling absentee ballots involves several steps, from verifying voter identities to ensuring that each ballot is counted accurately. Specialized equipment, like the Tritek Correct Elect system, can help streamline these processes, but there’s an upfront investment involved. However, the benefit of such an investment is significant when considering the potential for reduced manual errors and faster processing times–with little need for a huge influx of hard-to-find temporary workers.

Despite the costs, the benefits of vote-by-mail can outweigh the expenses. For instance, voters appreciate the convenience and security, potentially increasing voter participation. With the help of automation, accurate processing and prompt counting can support public confidence in the electoral process while curbing variable expenses tied to mail-in ballot volumes. 

Ultimately, the cost of-vote-by mail depends on a variety of factors, including the size of the voting population and the efficiency of the technology employed. Counties and local election officials must carefully assess these variables to determine the most cost-effective approach for their specific needs. Generally, exchanging manual processes with automated solutions is almost always a winning long-term strategy.

 

Scalable Solutions for Vote-by-Mail Processing

Tritek’s Correct Elect system offers a flexible, modular approach to handling vote-by-mail processes. This kind of adaptability provides a critical advantage for small counties and parishes grappling with budget constraints and notable absentee ballot volumes. The Correct Elect system evolves alongside the growing demands of the electoral process, ensuring both scalability and efficiency. Initially, jurisdictions invest in core functions and add expanded volume-handling capabilities as required. 

High-speed envelope sorting and scanning form the backbone of this scalable solution. These features automate essential tasks like image capture and ballot sorting, significantly reducing manual labor and the potential for human error. For smaller election offices, the ability to start with a basic system and grow over time means managing costs more effectively without sacrificing the integrity of the election process. Election boards add functionality, like signature verification, to their automated platforms when conditions and budgets call for an upgrade.

One of the standout benefits of the Correct Elect system is a robust audit trail and data visibility. Election officials and auditors can track every step of the ballot’s journey—from when ballots arrive at the election processing center to when they are sorted for tabulation. This level of oversight promotes a secure and reliable vote-by-mail system. 

With the projected increase in vote-by-mail ballot usage, a scalable solution is more important than ever. Counties must act now to include provisions for advanced ballot-processing technology in their upcoming budgets. This foresight enables them to handle impending electoral challenges efficiently and cost-effectively, ensuring a smooth election process.

Check out the ballot processing options available from Tritek and start planning to meet future demands.

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