How to Vote Using Paper Ballots

Posted by Anonymous , 9/4/2007 Tags:VoteUsingPaperBallots
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How to Vote Using Paper Ballots

Introduction

Using paper ballots is the most common voting method used today. Not only are they used for absentee ballots, but they are also used in conjunction with optical scan machines. The machines read the filled in ovals or circles and tabulate votes based on the number and areas of shade. Paper ballots can be used with pen or pencil, so long as you begin and end with the same color.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Vote Using Paper Ballots

Steps

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Step One

Send in your voter registration application 2 to 8 weeks before election day. You can request this application by contacting your County Clerk's office, or you may be able to get an application at your local library during election periods.
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Step Two

Find out where your local polling station is located. Typically, you can get this information from the bottom of the voter registration card that you received in the mail. However, if you still don't have your card and you have voted before, you can contact the precinct nearest you to check if your name is on the list. If not, they should be able to direct you to your correct voting precinct.
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Step Three

Go to the polling location and a poll worker will give you a pen or pencil, a paper ballot, a pamphlet and lead you to a privacy booth. The privacy booth will have two thin walls on either side of a tall table. Using this booth, you will cast your votes.
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Step Four

Read the directions on the pamphlet that come with your ballot. You will be required to shade in an oval or circle next to the candidate's name that you are casting a vote for. If you are voting on an issue, you will be able to shade in a "yes" or "no" oval.
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Step Five

Finish making your selections and then take the paper ballot over to a polling official. They will place your ballot into a locked box where all votes will be tabulated at the end of the day. You may keep the pamphlet or return it to a poll worker.

Overall Tips & Warnings

  • If you don't want to vote for any candidates in a particular category, you may leave all ovals unshaded. This is called under-voting and is perfectly legal.
  • Over-voting is when you have chosen more than one candidate for a single category or voted "yes" and "no" on a single issue. Ballots that have over-votes will be rejected and discarded.
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