Any non-alphanumeric character that can be rendered on a standard American-English keyboard. Use of a specific special character may be application-dependent. The list of special characters follows: ` ~ ! @ # $ % ^ & () _ + | } { " : ? > < [ ] \ ; ' , . / - = (CNSSI-4009) (NISTIR)
Understand more election terms clearly
Get one important election term explained each week, with authoritative sources, practical context and related definitions.
Any non-alphanumeric character that can be rendered on a standard American-English keyboard. Use of a specific special character may be application-dependent. The list of special characters follows: ` ~ ! @ # $ % ^ & () _ + | } { " : ? > < [ ] \ ; ' , . / - = (CNSSI-4009) (NISTIR)
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Special Character. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 22, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/special-character
Sources
01
Single-source
Get the weekly election term
Receive one cited, source-backed election explanation in your inbox each week.