3 Ways Election Offices Can Strengthen Ballot Security This Year

Key Takeaways From This Article 

1. Strengthening Ballot Security in Every Step of the Process 

Ballot security is the foundation of a trustworthy election. When ballots remain protected at every step, public confidence in the process increases significantly. A secure system requires consistent controls from ballot distribution to post-election archival. Resources, such as the Secure Election Logistics Handbook from A. Rifkin Co., reinforce this by outlining the full lifecycle of ballot materials and highlighting major vulnerability points that election offices must address. 

Election materials are highly sensitive. These items include unused ballots, voted ballots, provisional ballots, precinct supply kits, memory devices, and voting equipment components. Every movement of these materials introduces potential exposure to unauthorized access, tampering, loss, or procedural errors. Ensuring security at all phases is operationally smart and expected under federal and state standards for election integrity. 

Election offices also face increased scrutiny from the public and oversight bodies. The rise in mail-in voting, expanded early voting, and large-scale ballot transportation has expanded the scope of logistics needs. This evolution has increased the frequency of transport and storage cycles and, therefore, magnified the need for tamper-evident solutions, secured transfer points, and strict chain-of-custody processes. 

Election administrators can think about ballot handling in four core phases: ballot distribution, ballot collection, secure transportation, and post-election archival. Each phase introduces its own risks that can be reduced with the right combination of equipment, procedures, and staff training. Offices that proactively strengthen ballot security across all four phases reduce risk exposure significantly during upcoming election cycles. 

2. Upgrading Transportation Systems in the Election Lifecycle 

Secure ballot transportation is one of the most vulnerable points in the election lifecycle. Unauthorized access during ballot transit is a common operational threat, especially when materials move between storage facilities, polling locations, and central counting centers. Tamper-evident courier bags, rolling supply bags, and secure transport containers are designed to protect ballots while also improving portability and efficiency. 

Election offices can improve transportation security in several ways: 

Tamper-evident courier bags provide visible proof of any attempted interference. Their one-time-use seals ensure that ballots cannot be accessed without obvious evidence. When these bags are used consistently, they support stronger accountability and reinforce chain-of-custody records. Many jurisdictions that have adopted tamper-evident solutions report fewer security incidents, clearer documentation, and greater confidence among staff and observers. 

Rolling transport systems equipped with secure, tamper-evident features offer an effective way to collect and move ballots without exposing the contents during transit. A built-in slot allows ballots and documents to be inserted while the bag remains closed, reducing handling risks and maintaining continuous protection. When unsupervised, the slot can be sealed with a numbered security seal that supports chain-of-custody documentation and provides immediate proof of tampering if compromised. These rolling solutions improve efficiency, reduce physical strain on workers, and reinforce security standards during high-volume ballot transfers. 

Many counties employ sealed containers, tamper-evident bags, and documented chain-of-custody procedures to protect ballots during transportation from polling places to election offices. These strategies reduce opportunities for interference or misplacement and provide bipartisan assurance that ballots are protected at every step. Clear, simple paperwork that travels with the ballots supports more transparent processes and easier reconciliation after Election Day. 

 4) Use Election-Ready Products Tested in Real Environments 

The A. Rifkin Co. website already highlights the importance of using field-proven transport solutions on its Elections Market page, where a wide spectrum of bags, storage systems, and security seals are available to election offices nationwide. These products support secure distribution, collection, and archival in a way that aligns with real-world logistics demands. 

Upgrading transportation systems requires a combination of secure equipment and intentional process design. When election offices adopt modern transport tools, they immediately strengthen ballot security and reduce vulnerabilities across the entire lifecycle. 

3. Improving Chain-of-Custody Documentation 

The United States Election Assistance Commission and other election authorities stress the importance of a documented chain of custody for ballots and voting equipment. Maintaining accurate chain-of-custody records is essential for ensuring the election system remains trustworthy and credible. This includes consistent documentation at every point of transfer, storage, and handling, which reduces doubts about ballot integrity during audits or investigations. 

A strong chain-of-custody protocol includes: 

Keyless Security™ bags produced by A. Rifkin Co. use numbered security seals that align with these requirements and help election offices maintain compliance and accountability throughout transportation and storage phases. 

Chain-of-custody documentation becomes especially important when ballots move from polling stations to central counting centers. A clear, step-by-step process, supported by secure equipment, allows election staff to track every movement accurately and consistently. When used together, these practices help election offices uphold national best practices and maintain compliance with state-specific regulations. 

How A. Rifkin Co. Supports Election Officials 

Strengthening ballot security requires a complete evaluation of how ballots move through the election system. From transportation systems and chain-of-custody logs to durable storage and tamper-evident equipment, election offices have many opportunities to improve reliability, efficiency, and compliance. 

A. Rifkin Co. provides field-proven solutions that support election operations nationwide. The product lines available in the Elections Market category offer secure bags, storage options, transport systems, and tamper-evident technologies used by clerks and election administrators across the United States. 

By strengthening each phase of ballot handling and adopting modern security tools, election administrators reinforce public trust and meet the demanding requirements of today’s election environment.

If your election office is ready to strengthen ballot security, explore trusted solutions at A. Rifkin Co. Visit the Elections Market page or contact the team for a consultation. Strengthening your ballot-security strategy begins with using proven, compliant, and durable solutions designed to protect your election integrity.