10/29/2026
In addition to in-person early voting, we’re also running Advanced Processing! What is advanced processing? It’s the removal, depositing, and tabulation of early-voted ballots, meaning the mailed ballots and ballots from in-person early voting. Processing these ballots ahead of time alleviates some of the strain on our poll workers on Election Day, because otherwise these thousands of ballots would have to be processed at the polls while election workers are already assisting in-person Election Day voters. Just like all polling locations, advanced processing is open to the public and happens here at Town Hall.
Photo 1: At advanced processing, teams of election workers check in the ballots on the poll pads using the signed affidavit envelopes and then separate the ballots from the envelopes. Each team keeps a log of how many envelopes and ballot cards are in each batch.
Photo 2: A team of election workers then takes that batch of ballots and feeds them through our high-speed tabulator. This team keeps a log of the number of ballots tabulated, the number of write-ins, and the number of ballots needing to be hand counted (typically due to an ambiguous mark)
Photo 3: The final team takes the batch, completes the tally forms for write-in votes and hand counts the votes on the ballots needing to be hand counted. They are then bundled with the envelopes, labeled with the precinct and batch numbers and sealed into our blue security bins.
Not pictured is the AP clerk, who sets up the teams, keeps running session logs for each batch of ballots, and keeps the record book for the entirety of advanced processing.
And before the ballots even make it upstairs? Our office is accepting, sorting, alphabetizing, and reconciling the ballots.
While tabulation of these early ballots happens in the week leading up to Election Day, results from advanced processing will not be finalized and available until after polls close on Tuesday.
Whether they are working advanced processing, early voting, or on Election Day, we are so grateful to your friends and neighbors who train and certify to be election workers! Their dedication ensures we can run secure and transparent elections!
