Once an absentee/mail in ballot is received

[Sugarcoated]

by said state capitol, how is it then counted? Are there reps from both parties, working side by side on each ballot as they get tallied? Anyone have link to an explanation of the process? Thanks in advance!

[iemitsu]

1. They go to the state auditor's office

and are counted (or scanned) by bipartisan groups there.
They can also be recounted if necessary since they are all on paper.
Way safer than automated computer counts.

[TomCADem]

2. California Elections Observation Rights and Responsibilities

Here is California's Secretary of State's Guide:

https://elections.cdn.sos.ca.gov//pdfs/observation-rights-responsibilities.pdf

[Ms. Toad]

3. In most jurisdicitons, yes.

ballots or voting machines are not touched without the presence of members of both parties - in many jurisdicitons, if observers are appointed they have a right to be present, as well

[Sugarcoated]

4. Kick for more info

I'm from PA, if anyone has specific info on PA protocol it would be most helpful!

[jxla]

5. This appears to be a good starting point

An Official Pennsylvania Government Website

https://www.votespa.com/Voting-in-PA/Pages/Mail-and-Absentee-Ballot.aspx

[Retrograde]

6. Details vary by state

I wrote about the California general process here.

In my state, ballots are mailed to the county registrar (or dropped off at local polling places), who is responsible for certifying, counting, and reporting the vote totals within 30 days of the election date.