A "a small mark made by resting a pen or pencil on the ballot." Iowa Admin. Code §721- 26.1(49). Similarly, VVSG. Hesitation marks may be difficult to distinguish from votes, particularly if made with a felt-tip pen, which causes marks to spread the longer the pen is held to the BALLOT.
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A "a small mark made by resting a pen or pencil on the ballot." Iowa Admin. Code §721- 26.1(49). Similarly, VVSG. Hesitation marks may be difficult to distinguish from votes, particularly if made with a felt-tip pen, which causes marks to spread the longer the pen is held to the BALLOT.
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Hesitation Mark. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved September 2, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/hesitation-mark
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