about echo

a modern solution for transparent elections.

The Echo Hand Count method was developed by Elizabeth Baron in fall 2023 in Travis County, Texas, to address a critical need: making hand counting of ballots both easier and more accurate. Working collaboratively with the Texas Secretary of State's Elections Office, the method underwent rigorous review for Texas election code compliance. In February 2024, the Echo tally sheet received official approval for use in Texas elections.

The Echo method introduces several key innovations that significantly improve accuracy and efficiency:

  • Race-by-race counting across all ballots in a batch, rather than counting one full ballot at a time.

  • Numbered box tally sheets that create a clear, organized counting structure.

  • Real-time error detection through a verbal "echo" system where talliers repeat both the vote called and the box number marked, keeping all team members synchronized.

  • Four built-in accuracy checkpoints throughout the counting process to catch and correct mistakes immediately.

what makes echo different?

proven in practice.

The Echo Method was piloted in the 2024 Travis County, TX Republican Primary to hand count ~1500 mail-in ballots from 288 different precincts in 308 batches. The hand counting ran smoothly and 88% of ballots were counted by 6pm. Moving the results from paper-based to the county spreadsheet for reporting was more challenging and has made us passionate about improving results aggregation and reporting. We have expanded the Echo method to include tools and processes with built-in accuracy checks to ensure future hand count efforts can avoid that unnecessary challenge.

our mission.

When we began this journey, there was little information or practical guidance available for communities interested in hand counting. This website was created to help fill that gap. Resources will continue to be added over time. With growing public interest in transparent, verifiable elections, we continue to work on improvements to the process and believe it's essential to share our experience and provide resources for anyone considering hand counting in their jurisdiction.

trademark and copyright.

All Echo documents and materials on this website, and the term ‘Echo,’ are original works and the intellectual property of Elizabeth Baron. ‘Echo™’ is claimed as a common law trademark owned exclusively by Elizabeth Baron. This website and its contents are protected by common law copyright, also owned exclusively by Elizabeth Baron.

Elizabeth Baron supports the public good and encourages educational sharing of Echo materials. Users may cite or reference Echo documents only with proper attribution and acknowledgment of ownership. No person or organization may use the name ‘Echo’ or any Echo materials to suggest endorsement, affiliation, or partnership with Elizabeth Baron without express written consent.

Thank you for respecting the integrity and intent of this work.

terms of use.

By using this website and any materials provided through it, you agree to the following terms:

  • Ownership — All content, materials, and documents on this website are owned by Elizabeth Baron and protected by trademark and copyright law.

  • Permitted Use — You may download, share, or reference Echo materials for educational or public-interest purposes, provided that you give full attribution to Elizabeth Baron and do not alter or misrepresent the materials.

  • Prohibited Use — You may not use Echo materials or the Echo name to imply endorsement, sponsorship, or affiliation without written permission. Commercial use or republication for profit is prohibited.

  • Accuracy — The Echo materials are provided for educational and informational purposes only. Elizabeth Baron makes no representations regarding their suitability for any particular application.

  • Governing Law — These terms are governed by the laws of the State of Alabama.

Use of this website constitutes your acceptance of these terms.