The ability to accurately count the votes, and to conduct a full and accurate recount if necessary, is a hallmark of any genuine democracy. While the vast majority of election officials are competent, knowledgeable professionals, occasionally human error or even intentional fraud can mar the election process. History has shown that the details do matter- everything from how ballot bags are sealed and stored on election night, to how vote totals are sent from local clerks to county clerks, to how election agencies manage a recount, contributes to the overall integrity of the election. As such, it is vitally important that citizens engage in non-partisan monitoring of election officials to guarantee a consistently executed, transparent, and fair election.