ballotdesign

Ballot design refers to the process of creating ballots that clearly convey choices to voters and minimize errors. It encompasses both the physical form of the ballot and its informational content, including instructions, contest organization, and candidate listings. The goal is to produce a ballot that is readable, unambiguous, and accessible within the rules of the jurisdiction and the voting technology in use.

Key elements include the layout and sequencing of contests (which races appear where and in what order within a race), the wording of instructions, typography (font size and type), spacing, and color contrast. Ballots may be paper-based, optical scan, punch-card, or electronic, and design must account for the characteristics of the chosen technology. Grouping related contests, maintaining consistent alignment, and avoiding confusing shorthand help reduce voter confusion.

Accessibility is a central concern, incorporating high-contrast text, appropriate font sizes, translations or multilingual ballots, plain language, and formats for voters with disabilities, such as large print or tactile options where available. Usability considerations also include ensuring that instructions are clear and that the ballot’s structure supports straightforward navigation.

Design typically involves testing with real voters, prototyping, and iterative revisions to identify and fix confusing layouts or ambiguous instructions. Standards and guidelines are issued by election authorities and civic organizations, such as the Center for Civic Design, which publishes ballot design guidelines and best practices. Ballot design continues to evolve with changes in voting technology and a growing emphasis on accessibility and voter confidence.