sample ballot
A sample ballot is a mock version of an official ballot that a voter will use to vote in an election. Sample ballots may be requested and are mailed to registered voters before an election. They generally include the names of the candidates, the referendums (if any), the voter’s designated polling place, the polling place hours, and instructions for voting in their jurisdiction.
Sample ballots give voters a preview of the ballot they will use to vote. Thus, unlike voter guides, sample ballots do not provide information about the candidates or their stances regarding certain issues. Note that some non-profit organizations provide unofficial sample ballots, and such ballots might not look the same as the official ballot used to vote at the polling place.
Sample ballots may be pre-filled and brought to the polling place, but they may not be used to cast an official vote. Voters are allowed to - but are not required to - bring notes, voter guides, and sample ballots into the voting booth. Some polling places restrict cell phone use, so voters should bring paper copies.
If you are eligible to vote in the United States, you can register to vote online at vote.gov, check your voter registration status and find your polling place at vote.org/polling-place-locator, and request an absentee ballot at vote.org/absentee-ballot.
[Last reviewed in September of 2024 by the Wex Definitions Team]
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