Read the instructions printed on your ballot before making any selections. Instructions can vary slightly based on the ballot style and equipment used by your county.



For a standard Arizona paper ballot:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Use the pen provided or approved by the voting location.</li>



<li>Completely fill in the oval next to your selection.</li>



<li>Keep your marks inside the oval.</li>



<li>Choose only the number of selections permitted in each contest.</li>



<li>Review both sides of every ballot page.</li>



<li>Check your selections before submitting the ballot.</li>



<li>Ask an election worker for help if any instruction is unclear.</li>
</ul>



Avoid circling a name, placing a check mark beside it or drawing a line through the oval. A tabulator is designed to recognize marks in specific target areas. Filling in the oval completely provides the clearest indication of your selection.



Do not use your own pencil, marker or specialty ink unless an election worker confirms that it is compatible with the county’s equipment.

How Do I Mark an Arizona Ballot?

Do not assume that every contest allows the same number of selections. One section may instruct you to select one choice, while another may permit more than one.

Read the Instructions for Every Contest

An undervote occurs when you select fewer choices than the maximum number allowed in a contest. It can also occur when you leave a contest completely blank.



For example, if a contest allows up to two selections and you mark only one, you have undervoted that contest. If you make no selection, that is also an undervote.



An undervote does not spoil the entire ballot. Valid selections in other contests can still be counted. You are not required to make a selection in every contest appearing on your ballot.



An undervote may be intentional or accidental. Review the ballot carefully before casting it to make sure you did not unintentionally skip a section.

What Is an Undervote?

If you make a mistake before casting your ballot, stop marking it and ask an election worker for help.

What Should I Do If I Make a Mistake?

Yes. If you spoil your ballot before it is cast, ask an election worker for a replacement.



Tell the worker that you made a marking mistake and have not submitted the ballot. The worker will explain how to surrender the spoiled ballot and receive another one.

Can I Get a Replacement Ballot?

No. Do not erase a ballot mark unless an election worker specifically tells you that the county’s ballot and equipment permit that correction method.



Erasing may leave residue or an incomplete mark that the scanner can still detect. Crossing out a selection can also make your intent uncertain.

Should I Erase an Incorrect Mark?

A careful review is the best way to catch an accidental blank contest, overvote or selection made in the wrong oval.

Review Your Ballot Before Casting It

A scanner may return a ballot or display a warning for several reasons. The exact message depends on the equipment used by the county.

Why Did the Ballot Scanner Reject My Ballot?

What Should I Do After a Scanner Warning?

If a tabulator becomes temporarily unavailable, remain calm and follow the instructions provided by authorized election workers.

What If the Scanner Stops Working?

No. Arizona counties may use different ballot printers, accessible voting devices and tabulation systems. Even counties using similar equipment may configure their voting process differently.

Do All Arizona Counties Use the Same Voting Equipment?

What Happens Before I Receive My Ballot?

Checking your registration before Election Day reduces the chance of a delay at check-in. Use <a href="https://www.tpaction.com/Vote">Register to Vote</a> to register for future elections or verify your current registration information.

Confirm Your Voter Registration

When you <a href="https://www.tpaction.com/plan">plan to vote</a>, remember these ballot-marking steps:

Arizona Ballot-Marking Checklist

Learn how to mark and cast an Arizona ballot, what overvotes and undervotes mean, how to get a replacement ballot, and what to do if the scanner rejects it.

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How to Mark Your Arizona Ballot, and What to Do If You Make a Mistake