How to vote using an Optic Scan Ballot with Automark

Click here for visual instructions on the ES&S AutoMARK

Click here for visual instructions on the Optical Scan Ballot

Marking A Regular Ballot and Casting Your Vote

• Before marking your ballot, make sure there are not any marks already on it.

• Read the directions on the ballot carefully.

1. If the ballot allows you to cast one vote for an office or issue, you may only fill in one oval on your ballot.

2. If the ballot allows you to cast multiple votes for the same office, you may fill in the maximum amount of ovals allowed by the directions.

• Use only the special quick-drying marking pen to vote on the optical scan ballot.

• Completely fill in the oval to the left of the candidate or issue position ("YES" or "NO" or "FOR" or "AGAINST") you want to vote for.

• To cast a vote for an eligible write-in candidate:

1. Find the blank line provided on the ballot under the list of candidates

2. Fill in the oval to the left of that blank line

3. Clearly write the name of the write-in candidate on the blank line.

• When you have completed voting, thoroughly check your ballot.

• If you have questions or make a mistake, ask the election officials for assistance.

• If you make an error while marking your ballot, take your ballot to the election officials; do not put the mismarked ballot in the ballot box. The election officials will void that ballot and give you a new one. You may request new ballots up to three times.

• Once you have completed voting and reviewed your ballot, take your ballot to the ballot box and run your ballot through the optical scan machine. An election official will be there to assist you. If you have over voted your ballot, the ballot will be returned to you. You may either cast the ballot as is or request a new ballot.

• If you request a new ballot, the election officials must cancel your first ballot and issue you a new ballot to vote. Once you cast your ballot in the ballot box, you may not request another ballot.

Marking a ballot with the Automark and casting your vote

• If you require the use of the audio ballot, please place the headset on.

• Insert the ballot into the AutoMARK ballot acceptor and wait for instructions.

• Touch each candidate and/or issue for which you intend to cast a vote. Your selections will be highlighted yellow. You may change your selections at any time.

• At the bottom of the screen, you will also have the ability to use the Zoom-In, Zoom-Out or High Contrast Color or Black and White type features to make sure the ballot is easier to read.

1. If using the Braille embossed diamond shaped keys, you will be able to make all your selections by following the audio instructions, and pressing the appropriate buttons.

• To cast a vote for an eligible write-in candidate:

1. Touch the "Write-In" option and a keyboard will appear on screen.

2. Type in the name of the candidate.

3. Press "OK"

• If using the Braille embossed diamond shaped keys, you be able to write in a candidate by pressing the middle select key when prompted for a write-in. You can then scroll through the alphabet, using the center select button to choose each letter.

• After you have completed the last page of your ballot, press the REVIEW button. Carefully review your selections.

• To change a selection, touch the box next to a candidate or issue and re-select the proper choice. Next, touch the REVIEW button again to return to the summary screen.

• Review your selections again and when complete, press the MARK BALLOT button to print your ballot. Next insert the marked ballot into the feeder slot of the ballot tabulator.

• If you have questions or make a mistake, ask the election officials for assistance.

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