Mark in a contest selection position of a paper ballot that meets requirements for detection by a scanner.
What is machine readable mark?
The term Machine Readable Mark refers to a physical ballot mark designed so a scanner, optical reader, or other machine can detect and interpret the voter's selected response. It gives election, security, legal, or technical readers a specific label for the concept rather than a broader everyday meaning.
How does machine readable mark work in a voting system?
In practice, Machine Readable Mark is applied to the technical or security purpose captured by its definition: a physical ballot mark designed so a scanner, optical reader, or other machine can detect and interpret the voter's selected response. Organizations combine that function with documented procedures, authorized access, testing, monitoring, and controls appropriate to the system.
Why does machine readable mark matter for election verification?
Understanding Machine Readable Mark matters because the concept can affect security, reliability, auditability, or trusted operation. In this glossary context, it refers to a physical ballot mark designed so a scanner, optical reader, or other machine can detect and interpret the voter's selected response.
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Mark in a contest selection position of a paper ballot that meets requirements for detection by a scanner.
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Machine Readable Mark. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 16, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/machine-readable-mark
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