A mark on a paper ballot that appears to be unrelated to the act of indicating a voter's selection. Examples include: a mark made unintentionally by a voter that is obviously not related to making a selection; a hesitation mark, a dot within or outside of the contest option position made by resting a pen or pencil on the ballot; written notes or identifying information not related to indication of the voter's selection; or printing defects.
What is extraneous mark?
The term Extraneous Mark refers to an unintended or irrelevant mark on a paper ballot that is not meant as a vote but could affect interpretation or scanner processing if it overlaps a target area. It gives election, security, legal, or technical readers a specific label for the concept rather than a broader everyday meaning.
How is extraneous mark used with ballots?
In election administration, Extraneous Mark is applied according to its defined purpose: an unintended or irrelevant mark on a paper ballot that is not meant as a vote but could affect interpretation or scanner processing if it overlaps a target area. Officials then use the relevant eligibility, filing, ballot, timing, notice, or procedural rules for that election.
Why does extraneous mark matter for ballot handling?
Understanding Extraneous Mark matters because the concept can affect election administration, voter participation, legal decisions, or resilience. In this context, it refers to an unintended or irrelevant mark on a paper ballot that is not meant as a vote but could affect interpretation or scanner processing if it overlaps a target area.
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A mark on a paper ballot that appears to be unrelated to the act of indicating a voter's selection. Examples include: a mark made unintentionally by a voter that is obviously not related to making a selection; a hesitation mark, a dot within or outside of the contest option position made by resting a pen or pencil on the ballot; written notes or identifying information not related to indication of the voter's selection; or printing defects.
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Extraneous Mark. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 20, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/extraneous-mark
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