ELECTION GLOSSARY
- Chad :
The tiny square section of a ballot card which is, ideally, punched out to indicate the voter's preference. The presence or otherwise of chad, in those states which use the punchcard ballot system, is a key factor in the current legal disputes over recounting. There are a whole family of chads.
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Dimpled chad :The chad is visibly pushed through, but not pierced.
- Pregnant chad :
A chad which is bulging or pierced, but still attached to the ballot card at four corners.
- Hanging chad :A chad still attached by one corner.
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Swinging-door chad :A chad attached by two corners.
- Tri chad :
A chad attached by three corners.
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Recuse :A US official who withdraws from his or her duties on grounds of conflict of interest is said to recuse him or herself. Thus, Governor Jeb Bush has recused himself from the Florida election process on the grounds that George W Bush is his brother. On the other hand, the Florida secretary of state Katherine Harris, a prominent Republican, hasn't. The nearest use of the word in British English is recusant, applied to Roman Catholics who refused to attend Church of England services after the Reformation.
- Hand recount :
Manual recount.
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Certification :The process by which counties and states put their formal seal of approval on the final result. Or, in some cases, the almost final result.
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County canvassing board :The local committee which decides whether to recount the votes, and by which means; mechanical or manual.
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Concession :The message of the losing candidate to the
winner, gracefully acknowledging the latter's victory. Usually lasts for four years, but can be valid for as little as 84 minutes.