50 Facts About Sample Ballot

What is a Sample Ballot?

Sample ballots are essential tools that help voters prepare for elections. They provide a preview of the candidates and issues that will appear on the actual ballot. Here are some key facts about sample ballots:

1. Purpose: Sample ballots serve as a guide for voters to familiarize themselves with the candidates and issues that will be on the actual ballot.

2. Distribution: Sample ballots are often mailed to registered voters before the start of early voting, although some jurisdictions may provide them online or at polling stations.

3. Content: Sample ballots typically include the names of candidates running for various offices, as well as any ballot measures or propositions that will be voted on.

4. Format: The format of a sample ballot usually mirrors the actual ballot, making it easier for voters to understand what to expect on election day.

Accessibility and Usage of Sample Ballots

Sample ballots are designed to be accessible and useful for all voters. They can be found in various formats and locations to ensure everyone has the information they need.

5. Non-Official Samples: Some nonprofit organizations produce unofficial sample ballots, which may not look exactly like the official ones but provide the same information.

6. Voter Guides: Voter guides, which include sample ballots, provide background information on candidates and ballot measures, helping voters make more informed decisions.

7. Accessibility: Sample ballots can be accessed online by entering your home address, allowing you to save and print your personalized ballot.

8. Regional Guides: Regional newspapers and issue-specific organizations often produce voter guides that include sample ballots, providing local perspectives and detailed information.

Practical Tips for Using Sample Ballots

Knowing how to use a sample ballot effectively can make your voting experience smoother and more informed.

9. Election Day Use: Voters are allowed to bring their sample ballots and voter guides into the voting booth to help them remember their choices.

10. Polling Place Restrictions: Some polling places may restrict the use of cell phones, so it’s advisable to bring paper copies of your sample ballot and voter guide.

11. Ballot Selfies: The issue of taking "ballot selfies" has been debated in legislatures, with some states allowing it and others prohibiting it to maintain the secrecy of the ballot.

12. Secrecy of the Ballot: The secrecy of the ballot is crucial to ensure that voters can cast their votes without fear of intimidation or coercion.

How to Mark and Return Your Ballot

Understanding the correct way to mark and return your ballot can prevent errors and ensure your vote is counted.

13. Marking Instructions: Sample ballots typically include instructions on how to mark the ballot correctly, such as using a black or blue ink pen and avoiding red ink or felt tip markers.

14. Completing the Ballot: Voters should completely fill in the oval to the right of their choice and avoid using checks, X’s, or other marks.

15. Correcting Errors: If a voter makes an error, they should draw a line through the name of the candidate marked in error and completely fill in the oval to the right of their intended candidate.

16. Returning the Ballot: Voted mail ballots should be refolded, inserted into a secrecy sleeve, and placed in the return envelope. The envelope should not be placed in another voter’s return envelope.

Voting In-Person and Early Voting

For those who prefer to vote in person or take advantage of early voting, sample ballots can still be a helpful resource.

17. In-Person Voting: For in-person voting, voters will check in as usual and may bring their mail ballot and security envelope to the polling location. If the ballot is not completed, an election worker will provide a new ballot.

18. ADA Accessibility: Nye County, for example, will provide ADA-accessible electronic voting machines for voters who require assistance at polling places.

19. Polling Hours: Polling locations are typically open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Election Day, although early voting hours may vary.

20. Early Voting: Early voting periods usually start a few weeks before Election Day and continue until the day before the election, excluding Sundays.

Voter Registration and Sample Ballots

Being registered to vote is the first step in receiving a sample ballot and participating in elections.

21. Voter Registration: Voters must be registered in their respective counties to receive sample ballots and participate in elections.

22. Transferring Registration: In some jurisdictions, voters can transfer their registration from one county to another, but this process must be completed before the election.

23. Voter Guides Online: Many states provide online voter guides that can be accessed by entering your home address, allowing you to save and print your personalized ballot.

24. Non-Profit Samples: Non-profit organizations often produce unofficial sample ballots, which may not look exactly like the official ones but provide the same information.

Understanding Ballot Measures and Candidate Information

Sample ballots provide crucial information about ballot measures and candidates, helping voters make informed choices.

25. Ballot Measures: Sample ballots include information about ballot measures or propositions that will be voted on, providing voters with detailed explanations of each issue.

26. Candidate Information: While sample ballots do not provide detailed information about candidates like voter guides do, they still list the candidates and their positions on the ballot.

Primary and General Elections

The way candidates are listed on sample ballots can vary between primary and general elections.

27. Primary Elections: In primary elections, candidates are listed alphabetically, except for circuit court judges who are determined by lot.

28. General Elections: In general elections, the names of candidates from the party that received the highest number of votes for Governor in the last election are placed first, followed by candidates from other parties.

29. Minor Parties: Minor political party candidates and those with no party affiliation are listed after recognized political parties in the same order as they were certified.

Provisional Ballots and Special Elections

Provisional ballots and special elections have specific rules and procedures that voters should be aware of.

30. Provisional Ballots: Provisional ballots are used for voters whose eligibility cannot be determined at the polling place. These ballots are not tabulated until eligibility is confirmed by the county canvassing board.

31. Returning Provisional Ballots: Voters casting provisional ballots must insert their ballot into a designated envelope and sign the certificate on the envelope before returning it to the clerk at the polling place.

32. Tabulation of Provisional Ballots: Provisional ballots are not tabulated at the polling place but are processed later by the county canvassing board to determine eligibility.

33. Special Elections: Special elections can be held for various reasons, including city, township, or school district issues. These elections must meet specific notification requirements and deadlines.

City, Township, and School District Elections

Local elections have their own set of rules and requirements that must be followed.

34. City Elections: In city elections, ballot questions must be authorized by law or charter and pass with a majority vote.

35. Township Elections: Township elections also require ballot questions to be authorized by law and pass with a majority vote.

36. School District Elections: School district elections must meet uniform election dates and notification requirements, with ballot questions passing with a majority vote.

Legal Requirements and Notifications

There are specific legal requirements and notification processes that must be followed for ballot questions.

37. Enabling Legislation: All requirements in enabling legislation must be met before a ballot question can be placed on the ballot, including publication deadlines for notices.

38. Notification Requirements: Notices of election must be sent to the county auditor at least 84 days prior to every city, township, or school district election.

Constitutional Amendments and Ballot Language

Understanding how constitutional amendments and ballot language work can help voters make informed decisions.

39. Ballot Language: Proposed constitutional amendments in Minnesota, for example, are published with laws passed at the same session and submitted to voters for approval or rejection.

40. Ratification Process: Constitutional amendments in Minnesota become part of the Constitution if a majority of all people voting at the election ratify them.

41. Legislative Reference Library: The Legislative Reference Library in Minnesota provides links to specific ballot language and information on whether proposed amendments were ratified by voters.

Authorized Questions and Election Law Statutes

Different types of authorized questions have different requirements that must be met before they can be placed on the ballot.

42. Authorized Questions: Unless a question is authorized by law to be voted on, it cannot be placed on the ballot. Different types of authorized questions have different requirements, which must be met before a ballot question can be placed on the ballot.

43. Election Law Statutes: Election law statutes provide additional requirements for ballot questions, which may vary depending on the jurisdiction.

Voter Registration Changes and Vote-by-Mail Ballots

Voters can update their registration and request vote-by-mail ballots to ensure they can participate in elections.

44. Voter Registration Changes: Voters can update their voter registration records by submitting a new application, which allows them to change their party affiliation or address.

45. Vote-by-Mail Ballots: Vote-by-mail ballots can be requested by the voter, a member of their immediate family, or their legal guardian. The requestor must provide identifying information for both themselves and the voter.

Counting and Returning Vote-by-Mail Ballots

Understanding the rules for counting and returning vote-by-mail ballots can help ensure your vote is counted.

46. Counting Vote-by-Mail Ballots: Vote-by-mail ballots can only be counted if they are received in the supervisor's office by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day. If a voter brings their vote-by-mail ballot to the polling place, they will be issued an election day ballot to complete and cast at their precinct.

47. Returning Vote-by-Mail Ballots: Vote-by-mail ballots can be dropped off at early voting sites during the early voting period or at the main elections office on Election Day by 7:00 p.m. If a voter does not mail their ballot, they can turn it in at the main elections office on Election Day.

Ballot Selfie Laws and Secrecy of the Ballot

Laws regarding ballot selfies and the secrecy of the ballot vary by state and are important to understand.

48. Ballot Selfie Laws: Some states allow voters to take "ballot selfies," while others prohibit it to maintain the secrecy of the ballot. The laws regarding ballot selfies vary by state.

49. Secrecy of the Ballot Laws: The laws regarding the secrecy of the ballot are in place to protect voters from intimidation or coercion. These laws vary by state and can include restrictions on taking photos of ballots.

50. Legal Advisor Consultation: It is advisable to consult with a legal advisor to ensure all requirements for ballot questions are met, especially in complex cases.

The Importance of Sample Ballots

Sample ballots are essential tools for voters. They help folks get a clear picture of what to expect on election day. By listing candidates and ballot measures, these guides make it easier to make informed choices. They’re usually mailed out or available online, so everyone has access. Bringing a sample ballot to the voting booth can be a lifesaver, especially if you’re prone to forgetting names or details. They also come with marking instructions, ensuring your vote counts. Whether you’re voting by mail or in person, knowing how to properly fill out and return your ballot is crucial. Sample ballots also include info on early voting and polling hours, making the whole process smoother. So, don’t overlook these handy guides. They’re your roadmap to a successful voting experience.