(opscan) An elliptical area on an optical scan ballot for the voter to mark to indicate a selection. Also "A mark that touches the oval on an optical scan ballot CANDIDATE OVAL. shall be counted as a vote; any mark that does not touch the oval and is not in the oval may not be counted as a vote." S.D. Rules §5:02:09:22.
Understand more election terms clearly
Get one important election term explained each week, with authoritative sources, practical context and related definitions.
(opscan) An elliptical area on an optical scan ballot for the voter to mark to indicate a selection. Also "A mark that touches the oval on an optical scan ballot CANDIDATE OVAL. shall be counted as a vote; any mark that does not touch the oval and is not in the oval may not be counted as a vote." S.D. Rules §5:02:09:22.
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Oval. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved September 3, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/oval
Sources
01
Single-source
Get the weekly election term
Receive one cited, source-backed election explanation in your inbox each week.