What happens if you mark outside the lines or use the wrong pen/pencil? (2024)

Ballotpedia's 2024 Election Help Desk « 2022

Frequently asked questions Can I register to vote online? Can I register to vote on Election Day? Do I need voter ID? Can I check the status of my absentee ballot? When can states start counting absentee ballots? What is a provisional ballot? Can candidates win an election if they have already conceded?

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To ensure your ballot is valid and will be counted, please read and follow the instructions for marking and completing your ballot. If you make a mistake, mis-mark, or damage your ballot in any way, contact your local election office for instructions about how to proceed.

In general, a ballot should not have any additional writing (except for clearly printed write-ins where indicated) or anything spilled on it that could affect the ballot scanner when processing responses. However, in some states, such as North Carolina, election officials may be instructed to mark or write on ballots as part of their regular responsibilities administering an election.

States deal with improperly marked or damaged ballots in different ways. As of August 2023, 42 states and the District of Columbia duplicated at least some damaged or defective ballots. According the the Associated Press, "[t]he ballot duplication process involves transcribing a voter’s choices from the damaged ballot onto a new, clean ballot that can be scanned and counted." Ballot duplication is generally conducted in view of the general public or under the observation of poll watchers. In eight states, damaged ballots could be hand counted in some instances. Three states—Kentucky, New York, and Ohio—did not have a ballot duplication provision and do not hand count damaged or defective ballots.

See also

• Voting in 2024
• Who can I contact with questions about voting?
• Who runs elections in the United States?
• Why do states have different election rules?
• Can I register to vote online?
• Does my state have same-day voter registration?
• Do I need voter ID?
• Do I have to vote for everything on my ballot?
• Can I take a ballot selfie?
• Is my employer required to grant me time off to vote?
• Can I vote if I have a felony conviction?
• Can I vote if I am not a citizen?
• How are candidates ordered on the ballot?
• What is a provisional ballot?
• What does it mean to challenge a voter's eligibility, and who can do it?
• How can I learn more about how my jurisdiction administers elections?