Tarrant County audit confirms electronic vote totals match hand count results after recent election
Fort Worth, Texas – Officials in Tarrant County have announced the successful completion of a detailed post-election audit designed to confirm the accuracy of vote tabulation systems and reinforce public trust in the election process. The Tarrant County Elections Administration reported that the Post-Election Hand Count Audit, known as PEHCA, confirmed that all hand-counted ballots matched the electronic results from the recent election.
The audit was conducted under Section 127.201 of the Texas Election Code and was authorized by the Texas Secretary of State’s Elections Division to expand beyond its usual scope. Instead of reviewing a limited sample, the audit included ballots from all early voting locations, all Election Day polling sites, and all absentee ballot-by-mail precincts.
Transparency Measure Strengthens Election Confidence
Officials emphasized that the PEHCA process differs from a traditional recount. A recount typically occurs when a race is tied or when a candidate formally requests it. The hand count audit, however, is a proactive transparency measure intended to verify the reliability of electronic tabulation systems.
During the audit, a random sample of ballots is manually counted and compared to the results produced by voting machines. This process confirms the accuracy of the equipment without altering certified outcomes. The physical counting is performed by the Ballot Board, made up of individuals appointed by political parties who do not work for Elections Administration, adding an additional layer of independence.
The decision by the Elections Administrator to expand the audit reflects a broader commitment to election security and voter confidence. Officials said the effort also addresses public concerns about the accuracy of electronic tabulation machines, which are widely used across Texas.
“Election integrity is paramount,” said Clint Ludwig, Elections Administrator for Tarrant County. “We want voters to know our systems are accurate and secure. This expanded audit is an extra layer of assurance that every vote was counted correctly, and our elections tabulation equipment performed as designed.”
Understanding the Audit Process
Under Texas law, the PEHCA serves as a required verification step following elections. It involves manually counting a sample of ballots and comparing those counts with machine tabulation results. The purpose is transparency and quality assurance, not to change election outcomes.
This process differs from a manual recount in several ways. A recount may be triggered by a tie or requested by a candidate and typically involves counting all ballots in a specific race. In contrast, the PEHCA reviews a randomly selected sample from early voting, Election Day, and mail ballot precincts. While a recount can alter results, the PEHCA strictly verifies accuracy.
Officials noted that because electronic tabulation systems are used statewide, the audit provides an independent check confirming the machines are functioning properly and that results reported on Election Night are accurate and trustworthy.
By completing the expanded audit with matching results, Tarrant County officials say they have strengthened transparency and provided voters with additional confidence in the integrity and reliability of their local election system.
