The final action a voter takes in selecting contest options and irrevocably confirming their intent to vote as selected. Examples include when a ballot has been deposited by the voter in the ballot box, mailbox, drop box or electronically submitted for tabulation.
What is ballot cast?
The term Ballot Cast refers to a ballot that has been formally submitted by a voter and accepted into the election process for handling, validation, and possible tabulation. It gives election, security, legal, or technical readers a specific label for the concept rather than a broader everyday meaning.
How is ballot cast handled in an election?
In election administration, Ballot Cast is applied according to its defined purpose: a ballot that has been formally submitted by a voter and accepted into the election process for handling, validation, and possible tabulation. Officials then use the relevant eligibility, filing, ballot, timing, notice, or procedural rules for that election.
Why does ballot cast matter for voters?
Understanding Ballot Cast matters because the concept can affect election administration, voter participation, legal decisions, or resilience. In this context, it refers to a ballot that has been formally submitted by a voter and accepted into the election process for handling, validation, and possible tabulation.
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The final action a voter takes in selecting contest options and irrevocably confirming their intent to vote as selected. Examples include when a ballot has been deposited by the voter in the ballot box, mailbox, drop box or electronically submitted for tabulation.
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Ballot Cast. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 21, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/ballot-cast
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