Protecting the Integrity of Our Local, State, and National Elections

Confidence in our elections doesn’t come from slogans or suspicion — it comes from clear rules, transparency, and citizen participation.

Virginia’s elections are administered locally, governed by state law, and supported by long-standing safeguards designed to ensure every eligible vote is counted accurately and fairly. This page explains, in plain language, how that system works and how residents can be part of protecting it.

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Who Runs Elections in Virginia?

Elections in Virginia are run locally, not by political parties or candidates.

• Each locality has a General Registrar who administers elections.

• A local Electoral Board, with representation from both major political parties, oversees the process.

• Election officers (poll workers) are trained and serve under strict rules to ensure fairness and neutrality.

At the state level, elections are overseen by the
Virginia Department of Elections
with guidance and standards from the
Virginia State Board of Elections.

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What Happens to Your Ballot?

Whether you vote early, by mail, or on Election Day, your ballot follows a documented chain of custody.

• Voting machines are tested before and after each election.

• Ballots are secured and transported according to written procedures.

• Results are reviewed, certified, and subject to audit.

Virginia uses voting systems that are certified at both the state and federal level, including testing standards established by the Election Assistance Commission.

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How Voting Machines Are Tested

Before an election begins, voting equipment undergoes Logic and Accuracy (L&A) testing:

• Machines are tested publicly to ensure votes are recorded and counted correctly.

• Test ballots are run through each machine.

• Results must match expected outcomes before machines are approved for use.

These tests help ensure that machines function properly before any voter casts a ballot.

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What Safeguards Protect Election Integrity?

Virginia elections include multiple, overlapping safeguards:

• Bipartisan oversight at every level

• Secure ballot handling and storage

• Post-election audits to verify results

• Recounts when margins are close

• Court oversight when disputes arise

These layers work together to prevent error, detect problems, and correct them transparently.

National best practices are coordinated through organizations like the
National Association of Secretaries of State,
which represents election officials from all 50 states.

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Can Citizens Observe Elections?

Yes — Virginia law allows authorized observers to watch election processes under specific rules.

Observation is structured to:

• Protect voter privacy

• Maintain order at polling places

• Ensure accurate administration of elections

Understanding how observation works — and what it does not allow — helps keep elections transparent without disruption.

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How You Can Help Protect Elections

One of the most effective ways to strengthen trust in elections is to participate directly.

Opportunities include:

• Serving as a poll worker or election officer

• Learning how elections are administered locally

• Sharing accurate, sourced information with neighbors

Many Virginians who have served in these roles report that firsthand experience greatly increases their confidence in the process.

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Learn More (Official Sources)

• Virginia Department of Elections

• Virginia State Board of Elections

• Election Assistance Commission

• National Association of Secretaries of State
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Next Steps

In the coming months, ACDCVA will:

• Share opportunities for election-related volunteering

• Host informational discussions on how elections work

• Highlight local voices who have served in election roles
   

We invite all members of the community to learn, ask questions, and participate.