Canvass
Definition
The canvass is the official process of accounting for every ballot cast, reconciling poll books and tallies, and confirming the vote totals are accurate. It happens after election night and before certification, and includes counting late-arriving absentee and provisional ballots.1
Why it matters
Canvassing is normally a routine, bipartisan clerical step, but county canvassing boards hold real veto power if members refuse to sign off. A board deadlock or delay can stall certification and create an opening to contest results without evidence of actual fraud.
Seen in the wild
On November 17, 2020, the Wayne County, Michigan Board of Canvassers deadlocked 2-2 when two Republican members initially refused to certify results over precinct-level imbalances involving fewer than three votes each in most cases. Both later voted to certify after public pressure.2