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Welcome to the Voter Reference Foundation Voter Data 101 miniseries. Over the course of the next few weeks, we will be reviewing the many different data elements that make a voter data file. We will review each key element, what it is, and why it is important for analyzing voter records and maintaining accurate voter rolls. Understanding these data elements/fields are key to performing meaningful and responsible analysis of these important public records.


In the first installment of this series, we will be reviewing the most basic element that creates a voter record: The name.

While this element seems like a no-brainer as to why it should be included, the voter’s name plays a crucial role in shaping the integrity and usability of the dataset. Among these, the name field stands out as a fundamental element that goes beyond mere identification. Understanding the importance of name fields in datasets is essential for ensuring data quality, accuracy, and meaningful analysis.

The specific fields typically include First Name, Middle Name, Last Name, and sometimes Suffix (Jr, Sr. III. etc.). The primary purpose of including a name field in a dataset is to uniquely identify individuals or records. Names serve as distinctive labels, allowing for the precise differentiation of records. This uniqueness is vital for a voter roll as accurate identification is the foundation for any meaningful analysis or decision-making when reviewing the data.

Name fields contribute significantly to the integrity of the dataset. They help prevent duplication and ensure that each entry is distinct. This is particularly crucial in scenarios where databases are consolidated, and merging or matching records becomes necessary. The name field acts as a reliable anchor, aiding in the maintenance of accurate and reliable data.

From birth to death, and every tax return, voter registration, and driver’s license in-between, a name is the cornerstone of every government record. When combined with other pieces of identifying information, the name field is important for adhering to the legal and compliance standards required for accurate voter rolls.

When we look at names and think about what our own name means to us as the very basis of our identity, that uniqueness gets lost when we look at the hundreds of millions of people across the country. Hundreds to even thousands of people across the country and even in the same state share identical names so identifying an individual across multiple data sets becomes challenging. Check back next week to learn more about the next data element that helps us determine an individual’s uniqueness when analyzing voter roll data.