How to Avoid Mistakes When Voting

Sometimes it is impossible to avoid mistakes when voting. Depending on the technology used at the voting precinct, you could have an easy time casting your ballots for candidates and issues or a rough one. Polling technologies differ by location and getting used to the one in your area is important. If you have voted before at the same location, you will know what to expect.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Avoid Mistakes When Voting

1. Talk with other voters about their experience at the polls. They may be able to warn you about some areas of the voting process that are particularly prone to voter mistake, and their information could help you avoid those mistakes.
2. Do some research on your own before going to the polls. Voting precincts use three different types of voting machines: optical scan, direct recording electronic and mechanical lever. Getting useful information about how to use these machines could help you avoid mistakes once you arrive at the polls to vote.
3. Read the directions on the voting machine and the instructions on how to vote very carefully. The better you understand the directions, the less likely you are to make mistakes.
4. Ask for help when you need it. If you are struggling in a certain area and have read the instructions, but still don't understand, then you should ask for help. Poll officials are trained in voting technology, voting rules and regulations and are qualified to answer any questions you may have.
5. Re-do your ballot if necessary. If you are having too many problems, you can always void your ballot and start over again. With paper ballots, just ask the polling official for a new one and they will void out the old ballot.
6. Apply for an absentee ballot if all else fails. If you are worried that you will not be able to understand the instructions or directions (especially on newer technological voting machines), you can apply for a paper-and-pencil absentee ballot. These ballots come with instructions that you can read on your own. When finished, just send it to the precinct or your election board.

Tips & Warnings

• Incorrect ballots will be rejected. Do your best to confirm that your ballot has been filled out correctly if you want your vote to count.
• Sometimes the machines cause the mistake. With newer technology comes a new set of technological problems.