Election Canvassing Begins Across State

The results of last Tuesday’s general election are in – but still considered unofficial until canvassing is completed.  

That’s the legally required process by which “the materials, equipment, and results of an election are reviewed, corrected, and officially recorded prior to the certification of that election,” according to the Secretary of State’s website.  

Canvassing began in all 55 counties Monday. County clerks and commissioners oversee the process – candidates and representatives of political parties as well as the general public can observe the process.  

“The only reason that canvassing may not start in a county is if they cannot get a quorum of the county commissioners present,” Secretary of State Kris Warner said.  

Results of each race will be declared official when canvassing is complete, unless a challenge is filed. 

“Including any of the write-in candidates, one for the U.S. Senate, one or two for the legislature, and then a couple for the county commission,” Warner said. “Those will be hand counted at the canvassing starting Monday morning at nine.” 

Election officials for most of the 55 counties, representing 1,643 voting precincts, are expected to complete their canvassing by Friday. They must transmit their certification of results to Warner’s office by Dec. 3.