Any "BALLOT on which no votes are counted because the ballot fails to have the initials of the proper election judges, because the number of votes for all offices and on all questions exceeds the number authorized by law, because the voter is deemed by the election judges to be unqualified, because it is an absentee ballot not accompanied by a completed and signed affidavit, or because the ballot was voted with unlawful assistance." Mo. Rev. Stat. §115- 447.2(2). An that has passed signature verification but that cannot be ABSENTEE BALLOT counted because of other violations discovered during the opening process.
What is rejected ballot?
The term Rejected Ballot refers to a ballot or attempted vote that is not accepted for counting because it fails a legal, procedural, technical, or validation requirement. It gives election, security, legal, or technical readers a specific label for the concept rather than a broader everyday meaning.
How is rejected ballot used with ballots?
In election administration, Rejected Ballot is applied according to its defined purpose: a ballot or attempted vote that is not accepted for counting because it fails a legal, procedural, technical, or validation requirement. Officials then use the relevant eligibility, filing, ballot, timing, notice, or procedural rules for that election. The exact process can differ by office, election type, and jurisdiction.
Why does rejected ballot matter for ballot handling?
Understanding Rejected Ballot matters because the concept can affect election administration, voter participation, legal decisions, or resilience. In this context, it refers to a ballot or attempted vote that is not accepted for counting because it fails a legal, procedural, technical, or validation requirement.
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Any "BALLOT on which no votes are counted because the ballot fails to have the initials of the proper election judges, because the number of votes for all offices and on all questions exceeds the number authorized by law, because the voter is deemed by the election judges to be unqualified, because it is an absentee ballot not accompanied by a completed and signed affidavit, or because the ballot was voted with unlawful assistance." Mo. Rev. Stat. §115- 447.2(2). An that has passed signature verification but that cannot be ABSENTEE BALLOT counted because of other violations discovered during the opening process.
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Rejected Ballot. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 20, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/rejected-ballot
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High consensus
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Disputed
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High consensus
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