Process of resolving cast ballots to reflect voter intent. Common reasons that ballots require adjudication include: write-ins, overvotes, marginal machine-readable mark, having no contest selections marked on the entire ballot, or the ballot being unreadable by a scanner.
What is adjudication in an election?
The term Adjudication refers to a formal process for reviewing facts, evidence, or records and making an official determination, including resolving ambiguous ballots or administrative claims in defined contexts. It gives election, security, legal, or technical readers a specific label for the concept rather than a broader everyday meaning.
When does a ballot need adjudication?
The term Adjudication is used when the relevant election, security, or administrative process calls for a formal process for reviewing facts, evidence, or records and making an official determination. The exact trigger, timing, and responsible official are set by the governing procedure or standard.
Who decides how an adjudicated ballot is counted?
In election administration, Adjudication is applied according to its defined purpose: a formal process for reviewing facts, evidence, or records and making an official determination. Officials then use the relevant eligibility, filing, ballot, timing, notice, or procedural rules for that election. The exact process can differ by office, election type, and jurisdiction.
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Process of resolving cast ballots to reflect voter intent. Common reasons that ballots require adjudication include: write-ins, overvotes, marginal machine-readable mark, having no contest selections marked on the entire ballot, or the ballot being unreadable by a scanner.
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Adjudication. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 20, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/adjudication
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