Legal Definitions - Sample ballot

A sample ballot is a practice version of the official ballot that voters receive before an election. It is designed to help voters prepare by showing them exactly what they will see and vote on at their polling place. These typically include a list of all candidates for various offices, ballot initiatives or propositions, the voter's assigned polling location, the hours the polls are open, and instructions on how to cast a vote.

Here are some examples illustrating how a sample ballot works:

• Preparing for a General Election: A few weeks before a major national and local election, David receives a large envelope in the mail from his county elections office. Inside is a document that looks identical to a real ballot, listing all the candidates for President, Congress, state legislature, and local school board, along with several proposed state constitutional amendments. It also clearly states the address of his designated polling place and the hours it will be open on election day.

  This document is a sample ballot because it provides David with a precise preview of the actual ballot he will encounter. It allows him to research candidates and understand the ballot measures in advance, ensuring he is prepared and can vote efficiently without surprises at the polling station.

• Understanding Complex Local Measures: In a special municipal election, residents are asked to vote on a complex bond measure for public infrastructure improvements and a change to the city's zoning laws. Maria, a registered voter, receives a booklet that contains a full replica of the ballot, including the detailed language of both propositions. The booklet also reminds her of her precinct number and the location of her nearest voting center.

  This booklet functions as a sample ballot by giving Maria the opportunity to review the exact wording of the complex measures at her leisure. This way, she can make an informed decision before arriving at the polls, rather than trying to decipher lengthy legal text under pressure.

• First-Time Voter Orientation: Sarah is voting for the first time in a primary election. Unsure of the process, she visits her state's election website and finds a downloadable PDF that mirrors the ballot she will receive. This PDF shows the candidates for each party's nomination, explains how to select a party's ballot, and provides a map to her assigned polling place. She prints it out and practices marking her choices.

  The PDF Sarah downloads is a sample ballot. It serves as an educational tool, familiarizing her with the layout, candidates, and instructions she will encounter on election day, helping her feel more confident and prepared for her first voting experience.