U.S. Election Assistance Glossary

The following glossary of terms was developed by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission. We selected a subset of terms that might be most relevant for coverage of elections in Oregon or the Charter Reform ballot measure process. Their full glossary of 1300 elections terms is available online.

Purpose

The main purpose of the glossary is to provide election officials with a comprehensive resource of common words and phrases used in the administration of elections. The establishment of uniform election terminology is beneficial for ensuring consistency when communicating with the public about elections and voting.

A

Accessibility

Measurable characteristics that indicate the degree to which a system is available to, and usable by, individuals with disabilities. The most common disabilities include those associated with vision, hearing and mobility, as well as cognitive disabilities.

Active Registered Voter

A voter whose record is current with the appropriate election authority and is eligible to vote.

Active Status

A term used by election officials when a voter's record shows that the voter is eligible to vote. Active status may not be accurate if the facts have changed since a voter last updated their record.

Adjudication

Process of resolving cast ballots to reflect voter intent. Common reasons that ballots require adjudication include: write-ins, overvotes, marginal machine-readable mark, having no contest selections marked on the entire ballot, or the ballot being unreadable by a scanner.

Adjudicated Ballot

A voted ballot that contains contest selections that required adjudication.

Alternative Format

Providing a different way of accessing information, such as an accessible ballot.

Apportionment

Process of dividing membership or voters.

Approval Voting

An electoral system where each voter may select any number of candidates, and the winner is the candidate approved by the largest number of voters. It is distinct from plurality voting, in which a voter may choose only one option among several, whereby the option with the most votes is chosen.

Assistance to Vote

Voters with disabilities are allowed assistance from a person of their choice with limited exceptions.

Assistive Technology

An item used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of persons with disabilities.

At Large

The whole membership or population (notably a city, county, state, province, nation, club or association), rather than a subset.

Audio Ballot

A ballot in which a set of offices is presented to the voter in spoken form.

Audio Format

A ballot display format in which contest options and other information are communicated through sounds and speech.

Audio Function with Headset And Earphones

A ballot display format in which contest options and other information are communicated through sounds and speech.

Audio-Tactile Interface (ATI)

Voter interface designed to not require visual reading of a ballot. Audio is used to convey information to the voter and sensitive tactile controls allow the voter to communicate ballot selections to the voting system.

Audit

(1) Systematic, independent, documented process for determining the extent to which specified requirements are fulfilled. (2) A review of a system and its controls to determine its operational status and the accuracy of its outputs.

Audit Device

Device dedicated exclusively to independently verifying or assessing a voting systems' performance.

Audit Trail

Information recorded during election activities to reconstruct steps followed or to later verify actions taken with respect to election procedures and voting systems.

Audit Trail for Direct-Recording Equipment

Paper printout of votes cast, produced by direct-recording electronic (DRE) voting machines, which election officials may use to cross-check electronically tabulated totals.

Auditor

A person who is performing an audit of any part of the election process.

Authentication

Verifying the identify of a user, process, device, or component of a system, often as a prerequisite to allowing access to resources in an information system but can also refer to verifying the authenticity of voter or ballot.

Automated Voter Registration

Voter registration system whereby eligible voters are given the option to register to vote electronically whenever they interact with government agencies.

Automatic Voter Registration (AVR)

Under an automatic voter registration system, eligible voters are automatically registered to vote whenever they interact with government agencies (e.g., departments of motor vehicles).

B

Ballot

The official presentation of all of the contests to be decided in a particular election. Either in paper or electronic format, the mechanism for voters to show their voter preferences.

Ballot Access

The ability to mark, cast, and verify a ballot privately and independently.

Ballot Box

A sealed container that holds ballots cast by voters.

Ballot Cast

The final action a voter takes in selecting contest options and irrevocably confirming their intent to vote as selected. Examples include when a ballot has been deposited by the voter in the ballot box, mailbox, drop box or electronically submitted for tabulation.

Ballot Configuration

Particular set of contests to appear on the ballot for a particular election district, their order, the list of ballot positions for each contest, and the binding of candidate names to ballot positions.

Ballot Counter

Feature in a voting device that counts the votes cast in an election. This can also refer to a person who counts vote by hand.

Ballot Counting Logic

The software logic that defines the combinations of voter choices that are valid and invalid on a given ballot and that determines how the vote choices are totaled in a given election.

Ballot Data

A list of contests and associated options that may appear on a ballot for a particular election.

Ballot Designation

A description, name or formal title printed under a candidate's name on a ballot. May also include a candidate's political party or incumbent status.

Ballot Drop Box

A locked container, either indoor or outdoor, where voters can return an absentee ballot for collection directly by an election official.

Ballot Envelope

The official inner and outer envelopes used to transport absentee and mailed ballots.

Ballot Exhaustion

Refers to processing a ranked choice voting contest on a cast ballot, when that ballot becomes inactive and cannot be advanced in the tabulation for a contest because there are no further valid rankings on the ballot for continuing contest options.

Ballot Fatigue

Phenomenon where voters opt not to vote on races or issues appearing further down the ballot.

Ballot Format

The concrete presentation of the contents of a ballot appropriate to the particular voting technology being used. The contents may be rendered using various methods of presentation (visual or audio), language or graphics.

Ballot Harvesting

The act of collecting ballots, typically by a political party or nonprofit organization, for multiple voters and returning those ballots to an elections office on behalf of those voters. The legality of this practice varies by state, with some states allowing the practice, limiting who can return ballots on behalf of others or banning the practice completely.

Ballot Image

Electronically produced record of all votes cast by a single voter. Also, can mean a digital image of a voted ballot captured by a voting system or ballot tabulation device.

Ballot Instructions

Information provided to a voter that describes the procedures for marking the ballot. This information may appear directly on the paper or electronic ballot or may be provided separately.

Ballot Label

The portion of voting materials that contains information about voters, candidates, ballots, contests or other election data.

Ballot Layout

The concrete presentation of the contents of a ballot appropriate to the particular voting technology being used. The contents may be rendered using various methods of presentation (visual or audio), language or graphics.

Ballot Manifest

A catalog prepared by election officials listing all the physical paper ballots and their locations in sequence. This is a requirement for a Risk Limiting Audit but can be used to track ballot inventory and create an audit record for other types of audits.

Ballot Marking Device

A device that permits contest options to be reviewed on an electronic interface, produces a human- readable paper ballot, and does not make any other lasting record of the voter's selections.

Ballot Measure

(1) A question that appears on the ballot for approval or rejection. (2) A contest on a ballot where the voter may vote yes or no.

Ballot Order

(1) The order in which contests and candidates appear on a ballot. The order candidates and issues appear on the ballot vary by state. (2) The term used when an election official requests a ballot printer to print a specific number of ballots.

Ballot Pamphlet

Official information about your ballot issued from an elections office, often referred to as a voter information guide. Called a Voters Pamphlet or Voter Guide in Oregon.

Ballot Pickup

Refers to the act of collecting an absentee or mailed ballot, instead of returning it via drop box, through the mail, or delivery.

Ballot Position

A specific place in a ballot where a voter's selection for a particular contest may be indicated. Positions may be connected to row and column numbers on the face of a voting machine or ballot, particular bit positions in a binary record of a ballot (for example, an electronic ballot image), or the equivalent in some other form. Ballot positions are bound to specific contests and candidate names by the ballot configuration.

Ballot Preparation

Selecting the specific contests and questions to be contained in a ballot format and related instructions; preparing and testing election-specific software containing these selections; producing all possible ballot formats; and validating the correctness of ballot materials and software containing these selections for an upcoming election.

Ballot Production

Process of generating ballots for presentation to voters, for example, printing paper ballots, or configuring the ballot presentation for an electronic display.

Ballot Question

Proposals to enact new laws or constitutional amendments that are placed on the ballot for approval or rejection by voters.

Ballot Remake

A ballot substituted for a damaged or partially invalid ballot -- usually remade by a regulated process where the votes from the damaged or partially invalid ballot are duplicated onto another ballot that can tabulated by a scanner.

Ballot Rotation

Process of varying the order of the candidate names within a given contest. This practice varies by state.

Ballot Scanner

Device used to read the voter selection data from a paper ballot or ballot card.

Ballot Secrecy

A set of rules and procedures to establish the fundamental right of voters in the United States to cast a secret ballot. These procedures ensure that no ballot can be associated with a voter, thereby allowing voters to mark their ballots freely and without fear of repercussion or reprisal.

Ballot Stuffing

The act of casting illegal votes or submitting more than one ballot per voter when only one ballot per voter is permitted.

Ballot Style

A ballot with a specific set of contests and candidates for a particular precinct. Ballot styles vary based on which combination of contests and which party affiliation (in primary elections), that voters are eligible to participate in. Ballot style varies based on the contests voters are eligible to vote on and, during primary elections, their party affiliation.

Ballot Title

(1) The official short summary of a ballot measure that appears on a ballot. (2) The ballot title typically includes the election date and type (Special, Primary, or General) of election.

Barcode

An optical and machine-readable representation of data as a sequence of bars and spaces that conform to accepted standards. A QR code is an example of a barcode.

Barcode Reader

Device used to scan barcodes and convert the encoded information into a usable format. Barcode readers are used to scan codes on a variety of election materials including ballots, driver's licenses, voter ID cards, voter information packets, envelopes, and other election documents.

Baseline Voting

A vote variation in which the candidate with the most votes wins. In single-seat contests, the voter may only select one contest option. In multi-seat contests, the voter may select up to the number of contests specified on the ballot.

Batch

A collection of paper ballots gathered as a group for tabulation and auditing.

Batch-fed scanner

An electronic voting device that:

• accepts stacks of hand-marked or BMD-produced paper ballots and automatically processes them until the stack is empty;

• is usually used at an election jurisdiction’s central location;

• is mostly commonly used to process absentee ballots;

• usually has input and output hoppers for ballots;

• scans a ballot and rejects it if either unreadable or un-processable;

• detects, interprets, and validates contest selections;

• detects and sorts (either digitally or physically) ballots that are unreadable or unprocessable, or

• that contain undeterminable selections, marking exceptions, or write-ins; and

• tabulates and reports contest results as required.

Blank Ballot

An issued ballot without any selections made.

Blanket Primary

Primary election wherein a voter may vote for candidates from any party, regardless of the political party affiliation of the voter or candidates.

Block Voting

A system in which a voter can select as many candidates as there are open seats.

Board of Commissioners

The governing body of a county in many U.S. states, especially in the Midwest and the East, consisting of members elected by the voters.

Board of Elections

A group of individuals appointed, usually by local authorities, and charged with control of elections and voting procedures.

Board of Registrars

A group of individuals appointed, usually by local authorities and charged with control of elections and voting.

Boundary Line

The line that divides a precinct, city, or other political unit from another.

C

Call an Election

When an authorized government authority proclaims that an election will take place at a particular time.

Campaign

A series of democratic activities to influence a political vote for or against candidates or ballot questions.

Campaign Contributions

Anything of value given, loaned or advanced to influence a political vote for or against candidates or ballot questions.

Campaign Disclosure

The act of reporting campaign contributions.

Campaign Expense Report

Report that details political expenses required to be filed by a governing authority.

Campaign Finance

The act of raising and spending funds for political purposes.

Campaign Finance Disclosure Statements

Reports that detail political contributions and expenses required to be filed by a governing authority.

Campaign Finance Laws

A set of laws that detail the rules and regulations for raising and spending funds and contributions for political purposes.

Campaign Finance Report

Reports that detail political contributions and expenses required to be filed by a governing authority.

Campaign Finance Reporting Requirements

A set of requirements that detail the rules and regulations for raising and spending funds and contributions for political purposes.

Campaign Materials

The documents, resources and other materials used to influence a political vote for or against candidates or ballot questions. Campaign materials may include t-shirts, buttons, bumper stickers, yard signs, and other printed materials.

Campaign Signs

A sign advertising a particular vote.

Candidacy

The state of being a candidate.

Candidate

A person who is seeking nomination or election to a specified office and who either has met the legal requirements to have his/her name printed on the ballot or is eligible to have his/her name written in on the ballot and counted as the voter's choice for the contest. Note - federal campaign finance and some states do not require a person to have filed petitions to be considered a candidate. Raising money alone can make you a candidate.

Candidate Committee

A group of individuals organized for political purposes to support or oppose candidates for public office.

Candidate Nomination Procedures

The official procedures to propose an individual to be considered for public office.

Candidate Petitions

A formal written document signed by registered voters to request the names of candidates be placed on election ballots .

Candidate Registration

The act of completing the required paperwork to become a certified candidate for public office.

Candidate Roster

A formal list of candidates.

Candidate Statement

A written summary of information about a candidate for public office for the purposes of influencing voters.

Candidate Withdrawal

When a person announces a candidacy or files for an election but later decides—by their own choice— not to appear on the final ballot.

Candidate Withdrawal Periods

The time frame when an individual may remove their name from the list of candidates for public office.

Candidates List

Official listing of all qualified candidates for a public office up for election.

Canvass

(1) Aggregating or confirming every valid ballot cast and counted, which includes absentee, early voting, Election Day, provisional, challenged, and uniformed and overseas citizen. (2) Solicit votes.

Cast

The final action a voter takes in selecting contest options and irrevocably confirming their intent to vote as selected.

Cast Ballot

A ballot has been deposited by the voter in the ballot box, mailbox, drop box or electronically submitted for tabulation.

Caucus

(1) A closed meeting of a group of persons belonging to the same political party or faction usually to select candidates or to decide on policy. (2) A group of people united to promote an agreed-upon cause.

Caucus Election

A meeting at which local members of a political party register their preference among candidates running for office or select delegates to attend a convention.

Caucus System

Rules and regulations that determine the process for a meeting at which local members of a political party register their preference among candidates running for office or select delegates to attend a convention.

Certificate

An official document attesting a certain fact.

Certificate of Election

A written statement confirming that a candidate was elected to public office.

Certification

Procedure by which a third party gives written assurance that a product, process, or service conforms to specified requirements.

Certification of Election

A written statement attesting that the tabulation and canvassing of the election is complete and accurate.

Certification of Official Election Results

A written statement attesting that the election results are a true and accurate accounting of all votes cast in a particular election.

Certification of Signatures

A written statement attesting that the number of signatures on a petition counted as valid or rejected is a true and accurate accounting of the facts.

Certification Requirements

The laws and regulations that govern the conditions that are essential elements to certify an elections or voting process.

Certification Testing

Testing performed under either national or state certification processes to verify voting system conformance to requirements.

Certified Election Results

Final vote tallies that have been attested as true and accurate by the official responsible for confirming their accuracy.

Certify

The act of a third party giving written assurance that a product, process or service conforms to specified requirements.

Chad

A small piece of wastepaper produced by punching a hole in punched card or tape.

Chain of Custody

A process used to track the movement and control of an asset through its lifecycle by documenting each person and organization who handles an asset, the date/time it was collected or transferred, and the purpose of the transfer.

Challenge

Questioning the eligibility of a voter to cast a ballot, or to accept a ballot for counting.

Challenged Ballot

Ballot voted by an individual whose eligibility to vote has been questioned by another (typically an election official). The ballot is held until the reason for the challenge is resolved.

Challenged Voter

A voter whose eligibility to cast a ballot has been questioned.

Challenger

An individual or official who questions the eligibility of a voter to cast a ballot, or to accept a ballot for counting.

Change in Political Affiliation

The act of a voter re-registering to vote with a different political preference or association.

Change of Address

The act of a voter re-registering to vote to update their residence or mailing address. Voters can also update their address at approved government agencies such as the Department of Motor Vehicles and the United States Postal Service.

Change of Party

The act of a voter re-registering to vote with a different political preference or association.

Charter

A written document by a legislative authority, such as a City or County, that defines the laws and regulations of that body.

Charter Amendment

An amendment to a written document that has been adopted by a legislative authority, such as a City of County, that modifies its organizing charter.

Check the Box

The act of marking a vote on a ballot.

Chief Election Officer

The official responsible for overseeing elections in a jurisdiction.

Chief Inspector

The official responsible for the proper and orderly voting at a polling location or an election process.

Chief State Election Officer

The official responsible for overseeing elections in a state.

Circulate

The act of attempting to gather signatures from voters for initiatives, referendums, or candidates.

Circulation

The process of gathering signatures for initiatives, referendums or candidates.

Circulator

A person who presents petitions to voters to gather signatures for initiatives, referendums, or candidates.

Citizen

A person who, by place of birth, nationality of one or both parents, or naturalization is granted full rights and responsibilities as a member of a nation or political community, including the right to vote if not otherwise ineligible.

Citizen Initiatives

The procedure by which citizens can propose a law directly to a governing body.

City

An incorporated local government body within a state.

City Charter

A written document by a City that defines the laws and regulations of that body.

City Clerk

A city official who is responsible for election administration for a city.

City Ordinance

A law passed by a city.

Clerk

An official responsible for administering an election or an election process.

Close of Registration

The last day that a citizen can register to vote or update their voter registration before an election.

Closed Primary

Primary election in which voters receive a ballot listing only those candidates running for office in the political party with which the voters are affiliated. In some states, non-partisan contests and ballot issues may be included.

Common Data Format

Standard and practice of storing and creating data in a common, described format that can be read by other systems.

Congressional District

The area within the boundaries of a state which a member of the U.S. House of Representatives is elected.

Congressional Election

An election when voters participate to election their U.S. House of Representative.

Constituent

A person who is represented politically by a designated government official or officeholder, especially when the official is one that the person represented has the opportunity to participate in selecting through voting.

Constitution

The basic principles and laws of a nation, state, or social group that determine the powers and duties of the government and guarantee certain rights to the people in it.

Contest

(1) A single decision or set of associated decisions being put before the voters (for example, the option of candidates to fill a particular public office or the approval or disapproval of a constitutional amendment). This term encompasses other terms such as “race,” “question,” and “issue” that are sometimes used to refer to specific kinds of contests. (2) A legal challenge of an election outcome.

Contested Races

An election contest with more candidates that there are vacancies for that election.

Contribution

Anything of value given, loaned or advanced to influence a political vote for or against candidates or ballot questions.

Contribution Limit

The maximum amount that an individual or organization may give, loan or advance to influence a political vote for or against candidates or ballot questions.

Contributions and Expenses Reports

Reports that detail political contributions and expenses required to be filed by a governing authority.

Contributions and Spending Limits

The regulations that govern the maximum amount that a candidate or committee can spend to influence a political vote and that an individual or organization may give, loan or advance to influence a political vote for or against candidates or ballot questions.

Council District

The area within the boundaries of a state which a member of a City or Town Council is elected.

Count

Process of totaling votes.

Counted Ballot

Ballot that has been processed and whose votes are included in the candidates and measures vote totals.

County

A political and administrative division of a state, providing certain local government services.

County Clerk

A county official who is responsible for election administration for a county.

County Commission

The governing body of a county in many U.S. states, especially in the Midwest and the East, consisting of members elected by the voters.

Cross-Filing

Endorsement of a single candidate or slate of candidates by more than one political party. The candidate or slate appears on the ballot representing each endorsing political party. Also referred to as cross-party endorsement.

Cross-party endorsement

Endorsement of a single candidate or slate of candidates by more than one political party. The candidate or slate appears on the ballot representing each endorsing political party.

Crossover Voting

The act of a voter participating in a partisan primary election of a party that they are not officially registered or affiliated with.

Cumulative Voting

A vote variation used in a multiple seat contest where a voter is permitted to distribute a specified number of votes to one or more contest options. Two major variations are used in US elections, one of which may result in fractional votes.

Curbside Voting

When a voter cannot enter a polling place, in some jurisdictions election officers are authorized to assist a voter with voting and casting a ballot outside of the polling place.

Cure

The process of fixing an error or providing information to an elections office when your ballot has originally been rejected for counting.

Cured Ballot

A ballot that was originally rejected for an error or because it was missing required information but was ultimately counted because the voter corrected the error or supplied the required information.

Cure Period

The time period authorized by law or regulations that a voter has to provide required information to allow a ballot to be counted that was originally rejected. This process is often authorized when signatures on ballot envelopes do not compare to signatures on voter registration cards, or if a voter forgets to sign their ballot envelope.

Current Resident Address

The address where you are current living.

D

Damaged Ballot

A ballot that has been torn, bent, or otherwise mutilated or rendered unreadable such that it cannot be processed by the ballot tabulating equipment designed for use with the ballot.

Data Accuracy

(1) Data accuracy is defined in terms of ballot position error rate. This rate applies to the voting functions and supporting equipment that capture, record, store, consolidate and report the specific selections, and absence of selections, made by the voter for each ballot position. (2) The system's ability to process voting data absent internal errors generated by the system. It is distinguished from data integrity, which encompasses errors introduced by an outside source.

Data Integrity

Invulnerability of the system to accidental intervention or deliberate, fraudulent manipulation that would result in errors in the processing of data. It is distinguished from data accuracy which encompasses internal, system-generated errors.

Deadline for Voting

The latest time and date that a citizen can vote.

Defective Ballot

A ballot that has been torn, defaced, or marked in a way that it cannot be tabulated by a scanner.

Democracy

A government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodically held free elections.

Designation

A description, name, or formal title. In some jurisdictions, a candidate may submit a descriptive designation to be printed under their name on the ballot.

Direct Democracy

A form of democracy in which citizens decide on policy initiatives directly, such as when voters decide on initiative, propositions, and referendums.

Direct Primary

A primary election in which members of a party nominate its candidates by direct vote.

Discrimination

Unequal treatment.

Disenfranchise

To deprive someone of the right to vote.

Displaced Voters

Voters who have had to leave their homes, typically because of a natural disaster.

Disqualification

The action of disqualifying a candidate or voter from participating in an electoral process.

Disqualify

Pronounce someone ineligible for an office or unable to participate in an electoral process.

Disqualifying

An action or offense that makes a candidate or voter unable to participate in an electoral process.

Distribution of Contributions

The detailed expenses of political candidate or campaign.

District

A political subdivision established within a specific geographic area.

District Lines

The lines that divide Districts from one another.

District Number

The number assigned to a political district.

Drop Box

A locked container, either indoor or outdoor, where voters can return a mailed ballot for collection directly by an election official.

E

Early Voting

Voting before election day where the voter completes the ballot in person at an elections office or other designated polling site prior to election day. Early voting can also include voting with a mailed or absentee ballot prior to election day.

Early Voting Ballot Board

A group of individuals, authorized by local authorities, who are charged with participating in or observing elections and voting procedures prior to election day.

Elect

The act of choosing a person to hold public office through a public election.

Elected

Candidates who received the highest or requisite number of votes in an election for public office.

Elected Office

An office that is filled primarily or exclusively via election.

Elected Officials

Individuals who have been elected to hold public office or candidates appointed in lieu of being elected to a public office.

Election

A formal process of selecting a person for public office or of accepting or rejecting a political proposition by voting.

Election Administration Process

The act of managing, running, and overseeing an election.

Election Assessment

An evaluation and analysis of any election or voting process.

Election Authority

The official responsible for overseeing elections in a jurisdiction.

Election Ballot

The official presentation of all of the contests to be decided in a particular election. Either in paper or electronic format, the mechanism for voters to show their voter preferences.

Election Calendar

The official list of key dates and voting deadlines for an election.

Election Campaign

A series of democratic activities to influence a political vote for or against candidates or ballot questions.

Election Certification

The act of confirming the final official results of a jurisdiction’s election. This event occurs after results from valid ballots are tallied from all sources (election day, absentee voting, early voting, provisional ballots, etc.) and results are validated and approved by those legally responsible.

Election Code

The official laws that govern the electoral process.

Election Contribution

Anything of value given, loaned, or advanced to influence a political vote for or against candidates or ballot questions.

Election Databases

Data file or set of files that contain geographic information about political subdivisions and boundaries, all contests and questions to be included in an election, and the candidates for each contest.

Election Day

The last day on which voters may cast a ballot. Absentee ballots and early voting ballots may be cast in advance of Election Day.

Election District

Contiguous geographic area represented by a public official who is elected by voters residing within the district boundaries. The district may cover an entire state or political subdivision, may be a portion of the state or political subdivision, or may include portions of more than one political subdivision.

Election Jurisdiction

A geographical area to which a practical authority has been granted to administer elections for political or administrative offices. Areas of jurisdiction apply to local, state, and federal levels. States, counties, cities, towns, and townships are all examples of jurisdictions.

Election Law

The official laws that govern the electoral process.

Election Management System

Set of processing functions and databases within a voting system that defines, develops and maintains election databases, performs election definitions and setup functions, format ballots, count votes, consolidates and report results, and maintains audit trails.

Election Materials

Items needed to assist voters and conduct an election.

Election Night Tabulation

The act of tabulating votes on the night of the election, after the polls have been closed for voting.

Election Officer

An official responsible for administering an election or an election process.

Election Officials

The people associated with administering and conducting elections, including government personnel and poll workers.

Election Precinct

Election administration division corresponding to a contiguous geographic area that is the basis for determining which contests and issues the voters legally residing in that area are eligible to vote on.

Election Results

Tallies of votes cast in an election after the polls have been closed for voting.

Election Returns

Tallies of votes cast in an election after the polls have been closed for voting.

Elections Administrator

An official who is responsible for election administration.

Elective Office

An office that is filled primarily or exclusively via election.

Electoral Cycle

The time period from the first official act in an election to the last official act. The electoral cycle is divided in three main periods: the pre-electoral period, the electoral period, and the post-electoral period.

Electorate

All the people in a political jurisdiction who are entitled to vote in an election.

Electronically Tabulated Totals

Election results tabulated on an electronic device.

Eligibility for Office

All of the legal requirements to hold a public office.

Eligible Candidates

Candidates who have completed all of the things necessary and meet all of the legal requirements to participate in an election process.

Eligible Citizens

The universe of all voters who, if they cast a ballot, would have the legal right to have eligible contests on that ballot tabulated. This would include those who do not appear in the list of eligible voters because they live in a same-day registration or no registration state and did not or could not register ahead of time.

Eligible to Vote

A person who meets the requirements set forth in a political subdivision for being able to vote.

Eligible Voters

The universe of all voters who, if they cast a ballot, would have the legal right to have eligible contests on that ballot tabulated. This would include those who do not appear in the list of eligible voters because they live in a same-day registration or no registration state and did not or could not register ahead of time.

Endorsement

An act of giving one's public approval or support to someone or something, such as a candidate for public office or a ballot measure question.

Error Rate

Ratio of the number of errors that occur to the volume of data processed.

Exhausted Ballot

Refers to processing a ranked choice voting contest on a cast ballot, when that ballot becomes inactive and cannot be advanced in the tabulation for a contest because there are no further valid rankings on the ballot for continuing contest options.

Exit Poll

A poll taken of a small percentage of voters as they leave the polls, used to forecast the outcome of an election or determine the reasons for voting decisions.

Expense Report

Report that details political expenses required to be filed by a governing authority.

Extended Hours

When a person of authority extends by formal action the required number of hours that voters are able to vote, usually in response to a situation that delayed or restricted voting.

F

Federally Recognized Tribes

Indigenous tribal entities that are recognized as having a government-to-government relationship with the United States, with the responsibilities, powers, limitations, and obligations attached to that designation, and are eligible for funding and services from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Furthermore, federally recognized tribes are recognized as possessing certain inherent rights of self-government (i.e., tribal sovereignty) and are entitled to receive certain federal benefits, services, and protections because of their special relationship with the United States.

File for Office

The act of completing the required paperwork to declare a person's intent to become a candidate for public office.

Filing Deadline

The last day to file election or voting documents for a specific election and process. Examples include paperwork to circulate a petition, to file paperwork to become a candidate, or to file campaign financial disclosures.

Filing Fees

The amount of money due when filing election paperwork, such as when filing to become a candidate for public office.

Financial Disclosure Reports

Reports that detail information about the source, type, amount, or value of the incomes of public officials and candidates for public office, required to be filed by a governing authority.

Forms of Identification

Means of proving a person's identity, especially in the form of official papers. Common examples include Driver's Licenses, Passports and other Government issued documents.

Fundraising

To seek financial support for a political candidate, campaign, or organization for the purpose of influencing an electoral outcome.

G

H

Hand Count

Counting ballot sheets and/or selections on ballot sheets by human examination.

Hand-marked Paper Ballot

Paper ballot marked by a voter using a writing utensil. The paper ballot is the independent voter verifiable record.

Hanging Chads

Chad refers to fragments sometimes created when holes are made in a paper, card or similar synthetic materials, such as punched cards. A "hanging chad" is a chad that is incompletely removed.

Hard Money

Political contributions made directly to a specific candidate.

Help America Vote Act Of 2002 (HAVA)

Act passed by the U.S. Congress in 2002 to make reforms to the nation’s voting process. HAVA addresses improvements to voting systems and voter access that were identified following the 2000 election.

Hold Office

A term used to describe an individual who has been sworn into public office and is currently serving in the position.

Home Rule

The right of the people cities, village, townships or other local districts to set up and change their own governmental structure.

Home Rule Charter

In some states, known as home rule states, the state's constitution grants municipalities and/or counties the ability to pass laws to govern themselves as they see fit (so long as they obey the state and federal constitutions). The Charter is the written document that defines the laws and regulations of that body.

Home Rule City

A city that has adopted a Charter outlining the form of government and local laws.

I

Interruption of The Voting Process

Voting equipment failures, inadequate supplies, disasters, or anything that prevents voting.

Intrusion Detection System (IDS)

A hardware or software application that detects and reports a suspected security breach, policy violation, or other compromise that may adversely affect the network.

Invalidate Your Vote

An error, mistake, or omission that results in your vote not counting towards the final election result.

Irregularities

Something that is not correct or acceptable, such as when the rules, laws, or usual ways of doing things have not been followed.

L

Language Assistance

The Voting Rights Act outlaws literacy- and language-based voting qualifications or prerequisites. Section 203 recognizes widespread voting discrimination against Alaskan Native, American Indian, Asian, and Hispanic language minority citizens and seeks to eliminate it by requiring the provision of minority language materials and assistance related to the electoral process—oral and/or written—to language minority groups. Other VRA sections, including 4(e) and 208, are also relevant to language access. The most recent reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act in 2006 extended Section 203 through 2032, and determinations were adjusted to occur every 5 years instead of 10.

Language Minority Citizens

The language minority provisions of the Voting Rights Act require that when a covered state or political subdivision provides registration or voting notices, forms, instructions, assistance, or other materials or information relating to the electoral process, including ballots, it shall provide them in the language of the applicable minority group as well as in the English language. Covered language minorities are limited to American Indians, Asian Americans, Alaskan Natives, and Spanish-heritage citizens - the groups that Congress found to have faced barriers in the political process.

List of Registered Voters

A list of the individuals that have registered on an electoral roll where a voter resides, as a prerequisite for being entitled to vote.

Local (Local Government)

Governmental jurisdictions below the level of the state including - counties, cities, districts, boroughs, and parishes.

Local Measures

A proposal to enact, amend, or repeal a new law, ordinance, or charter at the local government level that is placed on the ballot for approval or rejection by voters.

Look at Both Side of Your Ballot

Voting instructions reminding voters that election contests can appear on both the front and back of a ballot.

Low/No Dexterity Mode

An interaction mode with accessibility features for voters with no use of one or both hands or have low dexterity.

M

Mail Ballots (Noun)

A ballot cast by a voter other than in-person at a voting location. Mailed ballots are typically mailed to voters but can be issued over the counter from an election's office. Depending on the jurisdiction, mailed ballots can be returned by mail, in a drop box, or in-person. Mailed ballots are synonymous with vote-by-mail and absentee ballots.

Mail Ballots (Verb)

The process of mailing ballots to voters using the U.S. Postal Service.

Mail-In Voter Registration Form

A form used by a voter to request that a ballot be mailed to them.

Mailed Ballot Election

An election that is conducted entirely with the use of mailed ballots and either does not offer in-person voting options or has limited in-person voting options.

Mailed Ballot Precinct

A voting precinct that does not offer in-person voting options.

Mailing Address

The address where a person can receive mail, which may be different than the address where a person lives.

Majority

More than half.

Majority of The Votes

More than half of the votes cast.

Majority of Voters

More than half of the voters.

Majority Party

A political party that receives a minimum percentage of the total vote in a jurisdiction or has sufficient strength to win control of a government or constitute the principal opposition to the winning party.

Majority Voting

A vote variation which requires the winning candidate to receive more than half of the votes cast. If no candidate wins an outright majority, a runoff election may be held between the top two vote-getters.

Mandate

An official or authoritative command, usually by legislative statute or executive order.

Manual Tabulation of Ballots

Counting ballot sheets and/or selections on ballot sheets by human examination.

Manually-Marked Paper Ballot

Paper ballot marked by a voter using a writing utensil. The paper ballot is the independent voter verifiable record.

Marked Ballot

Ballot that contains voter’s selections.

Measure

A proposal to enact a new law or constitutional amendment that is placed on the ballot for approval or rejection by voters.

Midterm Election

Elections that take place between presidential elections.

Minor Party

A political party that does not meet the requirements to be recognized as a major party, but otherwise is recognized typically because its candidates have received a certain percentage of the vote or through a petition process.

Mock Election

A non-partisan educational event that primarily teaches young people how to vote.

Modified Closed Primary

A primary election that allows state parties to decide whether they permit voters registered without a political party affiliate to [participate in their primary elections.

Modified Open Primary

A primary election that allows state parties to decide whether they permit voters registered without a political party affiliate to [participate in their primary elections.

Motor Voter

This act, commonly known as the “Motor Voter Law,” requires that states offer the opportunity to register to vote at their motor vehicle licensing offices (known as the DMV in many states). The law also requires states to offer voter registration at offices that provide public assistance or state-funded programs primarily engaged in providing services to persons with disabilities, and armed services recruitment offices. NVRA also provides guidelines on registration list maintenance and sets limits on how voters can be removed from the rolls.

Multi-Member District

An electoral district or constituency having two or more representatives in a legislative body rather than one.

Multi-Seat Contest

Contest in which multiple candidates can run, up to a specified number of seats. Voters may vote for no more than the specified number of candidates.

N

National Association Of Secretaries Of State (NASS)

A non-partisan professional organization of public officials composed of the secretaries of state of U.S. states and territories.

National Association Of State Election Directors (NASED)

A non-partisan professional association of state election directors and administrators of U.S. states and territories.

National Certification Test Report

Report of results of independent testing of a voting system by an accredited test lab delivered to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission with a recommendation regarding granting a certification number.

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

Federal organization tasked with assisting in the development of voting system standards. NIST develops and maintains standards for a wide array of technologies. NIST scientists assist the U.S Election Assistance Commission in developing testable standards for voting systems.

National Voter Registration Act Of 1993 (NVRA)[Also Known As The “Motor Voter Act"]

This act, commonly known as the “Motor Voter Law,” requires that states offer the opportunity to register to vote at their motor vehicle licensing offices (known as the DMV in many states). The law also requires states to offer voter registration at offices that provide public assistance or state-funded programs primarily engaged in providing services to persons with disabilities, and armed services recruitment offices. NVRA also provides guidelines on registration list maintenance and sets limits on how voters can be removed from the rolls.

Nomination

The process of being proposed for consideration to public office.

Nominee

An individual who has been proposed for consideration to public office.

Non-Accepted Ballots

An error, mistake, omission, or intentional act that results in a vote not counting towards the final election result.

Non-Partisan

Not affiliated with a political party.

Nonpartisan Primary

Primary election held to narrow the field of candidates in non-party-specific contests.

Non-Party-Specific Contest

Contest where eligibility to vote in that contest is independent of political party affiliation.

Nonpartisan Election

Election held with candidates in non-party-specific contests.

Nonpartisan Office

Elected office for which candidates run without political party affiliation.

Not Contested

When not more individuals file to become candidates than there are open seats up for election.

O

Office

Any federal, state, county, town, parish, borough, municipal, school, district or other government position.

Office Holder

A term used to describe an individual who has been sworn into public office and is currently serving in the position.

Official Ballot

The official presentation of all of the contests to be decided in a particular election. Either in paper or electronic format, the mechanism for voters to show their voter preferences.

Official Ballot Card Secrecy Sleeve

A paper, envelope, or folder that encloses a ballot to maintain the secrecy of how a voter marked their ballot.

Official Envelope

The official inner, outer, and secrecy envelopes used to transport or enclose ballots.

Official Sample Ballot

An example ballot provided to voters with information specific to the voter. Sample Ballot booklets often provide additional election information such as the voter's polling place and hours, information about candidates, questions, and instructions for voting.

Online Registration

Online voter registration follows essentially the same process as a traditional paper-based process, by which new voters fill out a paper form that is submitted to election officials, but instead of filling out a paper application, the voter fills out a form via an Internet site, and that paperless form is submitted electronically to election officials. In most states the application is reviewed electronically. If the request is confirmed to be valid, the new registration is added to the state’s voter registration list.

Open Primary

Primary election in which any voters can participate, regardless of their political affiliation. Some states require voters to publicly declare their choice of party ballot at the polling place, after which the poll worker provides or activates the appropriate ballot. Other states allow the voters to make their choice of party ballot within the privacy of the voting booth.

Opponent

Other candidates for offices up for elections who belong to a different party or who have different aims or policies.

Oppose

Disapproving of or disagreeing with.

Optical Scan

A voting system that can scan paper ballots and tally votes. Most older optical scan systems use Infrared (IR) scanning technology and ballots with timing marks to accurately scan the ballot. Newer (digital) optical scan systems can also capture images of ballots as they are tabulated.

Optical Scan Ballots

A card or a number of cards upon which are printed, or identified by reference to the ballot, the names of candidates for nomination or election to one or more offices or the ballot titles of one or more measures, that can be tabulated on an optical scanner.

Optical Scan System

System by which votes are recorded by means of marks made in voting targets designated on one or both sides of a ballot card or series of cards. An optical scan system reads and tabulates ballots, usually paper ballots, by scanning the ballot and interpreting the contents.

Order on The Ballot

The order in which contests and candidates appear on a ballot.

Ordinance

A piece of legislation enacted by a local authority.

Overvote

When the number of selections made by a voter in a contest is more than the maximum number allowed.

Overvoting

Voting for more than the maximum number of selections allowed in a contest.

P

Paper Ballot

A piece of paper, paper roll or multiple card stock, on which all voter selections are either hand marked or printed, depending on the particular voting system.

Paper Record

Paper cast vote record that can be directly verified by a voter.

Paper Trail

A series of documents providing written evidence of a sequence of events or the activities of a person or organization.

Paper-Based Voting System

Voting system that records votes, counts votes, and tabulates the vote count, using one or more ballot cards

Partisan

A committed member of a political party who strongly supports their party's policies.

Partisan Election

An election in which candidates run for offices as representatives of a political party, often in which their party affiliation is printed on the ballot.

Partisan Office

An elected office for which candidates run as representatives of a political party.

Partisan Office Declaration of Candidacy

The act of completing the required paperwork to become a partisan candidate for public office.

Partisan Primary

Election in which political parties choose their nominees for a general or run-off election.

Party

An organization that coordinates candidates to compete in a country's elections. It is common for the members of a political party to have similar ideas about politics, and parties may promote specific ideological or policy goals.

Party Affiliation

Refers to a candidate or elected official's relationship to a particular party, not necessarily to a particular set of philosophical beliefs. In terms of voting, this usually refers to voters registering with a recognized political party.

Party Candidate

A candidate who is running as representatives of a political party for an elected office.

Party Preference

The act of registering to vote and selecting a political party preference. Note, some states refer to registering with a party as party enrollment or affiliation.

Penetration Testing

An evaluation method that enables researchers to search for vulnerabilities in a system. Election systems, such as the Voter Registration system, are periodically submitted to Penetration Tests to determine their vulnerabilities to cyber-attacks. Also called Pen Testing.

Personal Assistive Device

A device that is carried or worn by an individual with some physical impairment whose primary purpose is to help compensate for that impairment.

Platform

The declared policy of a political party, candidate or group.

Plurality

The number of votes cast for a candidate who receives more than any other but does not receive an absolute majority (more than 50%).

Political Action Committee (PAC)

From FEC's glossary: Popular term for a political committee that is neither a party committee nor an authorized committee of a candidate. PACs directly or indirectly established, administered or financially supported by a corporation or labor organization are called separate segregated funds (SSFs). PACs without such a corporate or labor sponsor are called nonconnected PACs.

Political Disclaimer

The required information that must accompany any political advertisement that is paid for by a candidate, committee, or individual that is published, displayed, or circulated for the purposes of influencing an election.

Political Organizations

Any organization that involves itself in the political process, including political parties, non-governmental organizations, advocacy groups, and special interest groups.

Political Party

An organization that coordinates candidates to compete in a country's elections. It is common for the members of a political party to have similar ideas about politics, and parties may promote specific ideological or policy goals.

Political Party Affiliation

Refers to a candidate or elected official's relationship to a particular party, not necessarily to a particular set of philosophical beliefs. In terms of voting, this usually refers to voters registering with an authorized political party.

Political Party Statements of Purpose

The declared policy of a political party or group.

Political Subdivision

Any unit of government, such as counties and cities, school districts, and water and conservation districts having authority to hold elections for public offices or on ballot issues.

Politician

A person who is professionally involved in politics, especially as a holder of or a candidate for an elected office.

Poll

(1) To check the status of or record the opinion of a voter. (2) The process of voting in an election.

Poll Watcher

Individuals that monitor the opening and closing of voting locations and the voting process.

Poll Worker

The official responsible for the proper and orderly voting at a polling location or an election process.

Polling Location

Physical address of a polling place.

Polling Place

Facility to which voters are assigned to cast in-person ballots.

Polling Place Assignment

The location of the facility where a voter will be on the official list of voters authorized to cast a ballot. Polling places are based on a voter's residential address and the site may change from one election to the next.

Popular Vote

The vote for a candidate or issue made by the qualified voters, as opposed to a vote made by elected representatives.

Position

(1) The proper, appropriate, or usual place; such as the location a contest or candidate will appear on a ballot. (2) An opinion or what a person thinks about a political candidate, issue or policy.

Post-Election

Relating to or occurring in the time following an election.

Post-Election Procedures

Laws, policies, and administrative procedures that are conducted after an election, often related to the canvassing, auditing, and certifying of election results.

Post-Election Tabulation Audit

A post-election audit that involves hand-counting a sample of votes on paper records, then comparing those counts to the corresponding vote totals originally reported as a check on the accuracy of election results, and to detect discrepancies using accurate hand-counts of the paper records as the benchmark.

Postmark

A postal marking made on an envelope, parcel, postcard or the like, indicating the place, date, and time that the item was delivered into the care of a postal service, or sometimes indicating where and when received or in transit.

Primary

Election held to determine which candidate will represent a political party for a given office in the general election. Some states have an open primary, while others have a closed or modified-closed primary. Sometimes elections for nonpartisan offices and ballot issues are consolidated with primary elections.

Primary Calendar

The official list of key dates and voting deadlines for a primary election.

Primary Election

Election held to determine which candidate will represent a political party for a given office in the general election. Some states have an open primary, while others have a closed or modified closed, primary. Sometimes elections for nonpartisan offices and ballot issues are held during primary elections.

Primary Results

Tallies of votes cast in a primary election after the polls have been closed for voting.

Proof of Residence

A document confirming where a voter lives.

Proponent

Someone who proposes something, or at least supports it by speaking and writing in favor of it.

Proportional Representation

An electoral system in which parties or candidates gain seats in proportion to the number of votes cast for them.

Proportional Voting

A vote variation used in multi-seat contests where the votes allowed in the contest are distributed to the selected candidates proportionally depending on the number of selections. This may result in candidates receiving fractional votes.

Proposition

A proposal to enact a new law or constitutional amendment that is placed on the ballot for approval or rejection by voters.

Public Records Request

A formal request made by a member of the public for documents or pieces of information that are not considered confidential and generally pertain to the conduct of government.

Q

Qualification

A requirement, such as being a registered voter, that is necessary in order for a voter, candidate, or election process to be acceptable for a specific purpose.

Qualified Candidate

Any person who files all of the required forms to become a candidate with the proper election authority before the appropriate deadline. The candidate's name will be printed on ballot.

Qualify

The process of meeting all of the requirements to be officially recognized as certified.

R

Ranked Choice Voting

A vote variation which allows each voter to rank contest options in order of the voter’s preference, in which votes are counted in rounds using a series of runoff tabulations to defeat contest options with the fewest votes, which elects a winner with a majority of final round votes in a single winner contest and provides proportional representation in multi-winner contests.

Ranked Order Voting

A vote variation which allows each voter to rank contest options in order of the voter’s preference, in which votes are counted in rounds using a series of runoff tabulations to defeat contest options with the fewest votes, which elects a winner with a majority of final round votes in a single winner contest and provides proportional representation in multi-winner contests.

Re-Elect

To elect for another term to the same public office.

Reapportion

To assign or distribute seats differently in a legislative body based on changes in population.

Reapportionment

The process by which seats in a legislative body are distributed among administrative divisions based on changes in population.

Recall

Process that allows voters to remove elected representatives from office prior to the expiration of their terms of office.

Recall Election

An election in which the question of whether to remove an elected official from office before their term is completed appears on the ballot for approval or rejection.

Recall Grounds

Refers to the reasons that citizens would begin the process to remove an elected official from office in a political recall.

Recall Petition

The procedure by which citizens can gather signatures from voters, using an official form, to propose a recall election directly to a governing body.

Recall Process

Process that allows voters to remove elected representatives from office prior to the expiration of their terms of office.

Recall Vote

Vote cast in a recall election.

Recount

An additional count of the votes cast in an election, typically required due to state law, a candidate request, or a court order, that is used to determine the accuracy of the reported results of an election. This process may be conducted using ballot tabulation equipment or by-hand depending on local laws and procedures.

Redistrict

The process by which seats in a legislative body are distributed among administrative divisions based on changes in population.

Referenda

The plural of Referendum, which is a process whereby a state law or constitutional amendment may be referred to the voters before it goes into effect.

Referendum

Process whereby a state law or constitutional amendment may be referred to the voters before it goes into effect.

Register

To complete a form with information to be added to an electoral roll for the jurisdiction where a voter resides, as a prerequisite for being entitled to vote.

Register by Mail

To complete a form with information to be added to an electoral roll, sent through the mail, to the jurisdiction where a voter resides, as a prerequisite for being entitled to vote.

Register to Vote

To complete a form with information to be added to an electoral roll for the jurisdiction where a voter resides, as a prerequisite for being entitled to vote.

Registered

A voter who is listed on an electoral roll for the jurisdiction where a voter resides.

Registered Voter

A voter who is listed on an electoral roll for the jurisdiction where a voter resides.

Registrar

An official who is responsible for election administration.

Rejected Ballot

A ballot which has been cast but cannot be counted due to a defect or ineligibility of the voter.

Represent

An arrangement whereby one is enabled to speak and act with authority on the behalf of another.

Representation System

A type of democracy founded on the principle of elected persons representing a group of people, as opposed to direct democracy. Representative democracy places power in the hands of representatives who are elected by the people.

Representative (noun)

(1) A person who has been chosen to speak or vote for somebody else or on behalf of a group. (2) A member of the House of Representatives, the lower house of Congress.

Representative (Adj.)

Typical of a particular group of people.

Representative Districts

Administrative area in which voters are entitled to vote in contests that are specific to that area.

Reregister

To complete a form to update your information on an electoral roll for the jurisdiction where a voter resides, as a prerequisite for being entitled to vote.

Residence for Voting

The place in which a voter's habitation is fixed, wherein the person has the intention of remaining, and to which, whenever they are absent, the person has the intention of returning. Persons experiencing homelessness can register and vote, as long as they can describe the physical location where they sleep at night. At a given time, a person may have only one voting residence.

Residency Requirement

The rules that govern if an individual is entitled to become a candidate or vote, based on where they live, and how long they have lived there.

Residual Vote

Vote that could not be allocated to a specific contest option due to an undervote or overvote.

Restoration of Voting Rights

The process of restoring voting rights to people who lost their voting rights under felony disenfranchisement or for any other reason that might have disqualified them from voting.

Results

Tallies of votes cast in an election after the polls have been closed for voting.

Returns

Tallies of votes cast in an election after the polls have been closed for voting.

Right to Vote

A set of legal and constitutional protections designed to ensure the opportunity to vote in free and fair elections.

Run-Off

Election to select a winner following a primary or a general election in which no candidate in the contest received the required minimum percentage of the votes cast. The two candidates receiving the most votes for the contest in question proceed to the run-off election.

Run-Off Election

Election to select a winner following a primary or a general election in which no candidate in the contest received the required minimum percentage of the votes cast. The two candidates receiving the most votes for the contest in question proceed to the run-off election.

Run-Off Primary

The election to select a winner in a primary, in which if no candidate in the contest received the required minimum percentage of the votes cast the two candidates receiving the most votes for the contest in question proceed to the run-off election.

Run-Off Results

Tallies of votes cast in a run-off election after the polls have been closed for voting.

Running for Office

Person contending in a contest for office. A candidate may be explicitly presented as one of the choices on the ballot or may be a write-in candidate.

S

Sample Ballot

An example ballot provided to voters with information specific to the voter.

Scheduled Elections

Existing law that requires any federal, state, county, municipal, district, or other district election to be held on certain dates, usually on a reoccurring basis.

Score Voting

A single-winner voting system where voters rate candidates on a scale. The candidate with the highest rating wins.

Seat

An elected office position that a single officeholder may occupy for a term of office.

Secretary of State

A state-level officer who is responsible for various departments and functions. Secretaries of State are often, but not always, the Chief Election Official in their state.

Senate

A deliberative assembly, often the upper house or chamber of a bicameral legislature.

Senate District

One of a fixed number of districts into which a state is divided, each district electing one member to the higher house of the state legislature.

Simple Majority

A majority in which the highest number of votes cast for any one candidate, issue, or item exceeds the second-highest number, but less than 50%.

Single-Member District

An electoral district or constituency having a single representative in a legislative body rather than two or more.

Sip and Puff

An interface that allows voters to use their mouth on a straw to send inputs to an election voting machine.

Slate

A group of candidates that run in multi-seat or multi-position elections on a common platform. The common platform may be because the candidates are all members of a political party, have the same or similar policies, or some other reason.

Slate Mailer

A mass mailing that supports or opposes multiple candidates or ballot measures.

Special Election

Primary, general, municipal, proposition, run-off, or recall election that is not held on a date and time regularly scheduled through statute. A special election may be combined with a scheduled election.

Special Interest Group

A group of people who have particular requests and who try to influence political decisions involving them.

Spoil

To mark or otherwise alter a ballot so it indicates in a human-readable manner that the ballot is not to be cast.

Spoiled Ballot

A ballot which has been mistakenly marked or altered by a voter. A spoiled ballot is not cast, and the voter may request a new ballot to mark correctly.

Spoiled Ballot Affidavit

A written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation, that a voter made a mistake on a ballot and is requesting a new one.

Standards Board

HAVA designates a 110-member Standards Board to assist the EAC in carrying out its mandates under the law. The board consists of 55 state election officials selected by their respective chief state election official, and 55 local election officials selected through a process supervised by the chief state election official.

Statute

A written law passed by a legislative body of a city, county, state, country, or other political body.

Statutory Initiative Petitions

A citizen-initiated ballot measure that amends statute.

Statutory Provisions

Provisions that expand on the subject matter of the statute, or law, to provide more information about who the law applies to, when it applies, and what the penalties are for violating it.

Statutory Violations

To break the rules of or act against a law.

Straight Party Ballot

A ballot with all candidates from a single political party.

Straight Party Voting

Mechanism that allows voters to cast a single vote to select all candidates on the ballot from a single political party.

Straight Ticket

The action of voting in one oval or box next to a party name at the top of the ballot to cast a vote for every candidate of that political party. No vote will be cast in individual races in which the selected party does not have a candidate. If the voter wishes to vote in any non-partisan races and proposals, the voter must make selections in these races separately.

Straight Vote

When a voter selects every candidate of a single political party on a ballot.

Straw Poll

An ad hoc or unofficial vote. It is used to show the popular opinion on a certain matter.

Suffrage

The right to vote in political elections.

Swing Voter

A person who is not a firm supporter of any political party, and whose vote in an election is difficult to predict.

T

Tabulate

Process of totaling votes.

Tabulating Equipment

The hardware, software, or supplies used to count votes.

Tabulating Equipment Memory Card

An electronic data storage device used for storing digital vote totaling information, typically using flash memory.

Tabulation

Process of totaling votes.

Tabulation Audit

A post-election audit that involves hand-counting a sample of votes on paper records, then comparing those counts to the corresponding vote totals originally reported as a check on the accuracy of election results, and to detect discrepancies using accurate hand-counts of the paper records as the benchmark.

Tabulation Report

A report containing the counts associated with ballots tabulated for a given election district.

Tabulator

The person or device that counts votes.

Tactile Controls

Controls that are discernable or perceptible by touch using hands, feet, or other parts of the body. (Does not include touch screens.) Dual switches are a form of tactile controls that can be used by voters with minimal use of their hands.

Tally

Process of totaling votes.

Tally Sheet

The paper form or electronic record used to collect data in the process of counting votes.

Term Limits

A legal restriction that limits the total number of terms an officeholder may serve in a particular elected office.

Term of Office

The period of time for which a person is elected or appointed to hold a public office. Terms of elected office are usually 2, 4 or 6 years.

Third Party

A person or group besides the two primarily involved in a situation.

Third Party Candidate

A candidate seeking nomination for office, with a political party affiliation other than the two majority political parties (Republican and Democratic).

Ticket

Another name for a ballot.

Tie Vote

An equal number of votes for more than one candidate or issue of the same contest.

Turnout

The number of people attending or taking part in an event, especially the number of people voting in an election. This number is typically reported as a percentage of the total number of voters in an election divided by the total number of registered voters in a given precinct or jurisdiction.

U

Undervote

Occurs when the number of choices selected by a voter in a contest is less than the maximum number allowed for that contest or when no selection is made for a single choice contest.

Undervoting

The act of a voter selecting less than the maximum number allowed for a voting contest or when no selection is made for a single choice contest.

Unenrolled

An individual who is not affiliated with a political party.

Unenrolled Candidate

A candidate for public office who is not affiliated with a political party.

Unexpired Term

The number of calendar days left between a vacancy of a public office and the date that the term is regularly scheduled to end. Unexpired terms may be filled through an appointment or special election.

Unmarked Ballot

An issued ballot without any selections made.

V

Vacancy

When a public office becomes vacant before the end of a term. This can be due to death, resignation, moving out of the jurisdiction when residency is required, removal from office, among other reasons.

Valid

Legally binding due to having been executed in compliance with the law.

Void Ballot

A ballot that has been issued but cannot be cast by a voter. This could be because a ballot was lost in the mail, spoiled, or the voter is no longer eligible to vote using that ballot, among other reasons.

Vote

A valid mark on an official ballot indicating the voter's preference for a particular candidate or ballot question.

Vote by Mail

Method of casting ballots by which eligible voters are mailed ballots and information packets by the local jurisdiction. Voters can return their marked ballots by mail, to a voting location, or in drop boxes, depending on the jurisdiction.

Vote by Mail Ballot

A ballot cast by a voter other than in-person at a voting location. Vote by mail ballots are typically mailed to voters but can be issued over the counter from an election's office. Depending on the jurisdiction, vote by mail ballots can be returned by mail, in a drop box, or in-person.

Vote Counting System

The total combination of mechanical, electromechanical, or electronic equipment (including the software, firmware, and documentation required to program, control, and support the equipment) that is used to count votes; to report or display election results; and to maintain and produce any audit trail information.

Vote for N Of M

A ballot choice in which voters are allowed to vote for a specified number (“N”) of candidates in a multi- seat (“M”) contest.

Vote for No More Than

The maximum number of selections allowed in a contest.

Vote for Up To

The maximum number of selections allowed in a contest.

Vote in Person

Voting before or on Election Day where the voter completes the ballot in person at a designated polling site, elections office, or vote center that is overseen by election officials or poll workers.

Vote Independently

Voters have the right to an accessible voting system must provide the same opportunity for access and participation including independence.

Vote Tabulating Device

The hardware, software, or supplies used to count votes.

Vote Tabulating Program

The total combination of mechanical, electromechanical, or electronic equipment (including the software, firmware, and documentation required to program, control, and support the equipment) that is used to count votes; to report or display election results; and to maintain and produce any audit trail information.

Vote Tabulation District (VTD)

Counting of ballots in the same District in which those ballots have been cast.

Vote Total

Tallies of votes cast in an election after the polls have been closed for voting.

Vote Variation

Voting style or feature, including but not limited to the following: approval voting, baseline voting, cumulative voting, N-of-M voting, proportional voting, ranked choice voting, score voting, and super majority voting.

Vote Without Assistance

The ability to mark, cast, and verify a ballot privately and independently.

Voted Ballot

Ballot that contains all of a voter's selections and has been cast.

Voter

Person permitted to cast a ballot.

Voter Files

Digital databases of publicly available records of who is registered to vote and who cast ballots in past elections. Voter file records indicate whether or not someone voted in a given election, but does not indicate whom they voted for.

Voter Fraud

Illegal interference with the process of an election, either by increasing the vote share of a favored candidate, depressing the vote share of rival candidates, or both.

Voter Fraud Hotline

Phone number where any individual can report a complaint or allegation of a voting rights violation.

Voter Guide

A guide that provides additional election information such as the voter's polling place and hours, information about candidates, questions, and instructions for voting.

Voter Identification (ID)

A means of proving a person's identity for the purposes of voting, according to the laws of the jurisdiction. Common forms of Identification are Driver's Licenses and Passports.

Voter Intent

How the voter attempted to express their vote choices through actions taken to mark, verify, and cast an issued ballot.

Voter Initiative

A means by which voters may propose new laws or amend existing laws by gathering signatures from registered voters to either enact a law or place the issue on the ballot for the public to vote on.

Voter Intimidation

Threat of violence, manipulation, harassment, or fear for the purpose of influencing how a person votes.

Voter List

A list of the individuals that have registered on an electoral roll where a voter resides, as a prerequisite for being entitled to vote.

Voter Registrar

An official who is responsible for election administration.

Voter Registration

A term used by election officials when referring to a voter's record. Voter Registration also refers to the requirement for citizens to register with a state or local elections office in order to be eligible to receive an official ballot for a given election, and to participate in certain election-related activities (including but not limited to signing petitions, serving as poll workers, and running for office).

Voter Statistics

Data on reported voting and registration activities, including factors such as turnout and age.

Voter Turnout

The number of people voting in an election. This number is typically reported as a percentage of the total number of voters in an election divided by the total number of registered voters in a given precinct or jurisdiction.

Voter-Verifiable

A voting system feature that provides the voter an opportunity to verify that his or her ballot selections are being recorded correctly, before the ballot is cast.

Votes Cast

The number of ballots received which includes ballots that have not yet been accepted for counting.

Voting Instructions

Information provided to a voter that describes the procedures for voting. This information may appear directly on the paper or electronic ballot or may be provided separately.

Voting Process

Entire array of procedures, people, resources, equipment, and locations associated with conducting elections.

W

Ward

An administrative division of a city or borough that typically elects and is represented by a councilor or councilors.

Write-In

A vote for a candidate that was not listed on the ballot. In some jurisdictions, voters may do this by filling in a write-in space provided on a paper ballot, or they may use a keypad, touch screen, or other electronic means to enter the name on an electronic voting device.

Write-In Campaign

Any person seeking election, but whose name will not be printed on the ballot. The candidate must educate voters to write in the candidate's name in the space provided on the ballot.

Write-In Candidate

Any person seeking election, but whose name will not be printed on the ballot. For these votes to be tallied and certified, the candidate must file forms with the election official during the qualifying period. A space will be provided on the ballot for voters to write in the candidate's name. The candidate must educate voters to write in the candidate's name in the space provided.

Y

Yard Sign

A sign advertising a particular vote.

Z

Ranked Choice Voting Terminology

We are highlighting a few terms within the glossary to help you navigate the many different words that elections experts use to describe voting systems that allow voters to rank candidates in order of preference.

Voting Methods

Ranked Choice Voting

A vote variation which allows each voter to rank contest options in order of the voter’s preference, in which votes are counted in rounds using a series of runoff tabulations to defeat contest options with the fewest votes, which elects a winner with a majority of final round votes in a single winner contest and provides proportional representation in multi-winner contests.

• Also called: Ranked Order Voting, Preferential Voting, Instant Runoff Voting.

• In multi-winner or multi-member elections also called: Proportional Ranked Choice Voting, Proportional Voting, Single Transferable Vote.

Proportional Representation

An electoral system in which parties or candidates gain seats in proportion to the number of votes cast for them.

Proportional Voting

A vote variation used in multi-seat contests where the votes allowed in the contest are distributed to the selected candidates proportionally depending on the number of selections. This may result in candidates receiving fractional votes.

Plurality (or Plurality Voting, First-Past-the-Post)

The number of votes cast for a candidate who receives more than any other but does not receive an absolute majority (more than 50%).

Majoritarian (or Majority Voting)

A vote variation which requires the winning candidate to receive more than half of the votes cast. If no candidate wins an outright majority, a runoff election may be held between the top two vote-getters.

Districts and Members

Multi-Member District

An electoral district or constituency having two or more representatives in a legislative body rather than one.

Multi-Seat Contest

Contest in which multiple candidates can run, up to a specified number of seats. Voters may vote for no more than the specified number of candidates.

Single-Member District

An electoral district or constituency having a single representative in a legislative body rather than two or more.