Unique Identifier

Primary definition

1. A code placed on a ballot for inventory and audit purposes. In most states, the identifier is on a which must be removed prior to being voted. STUB 2. A separate code or string associated with each voter in a statewide registration system, as required by HAVA. 42 U.S.C. §15483. When is the unique identifier not unique? When it's in New Mexico: "As used in the Election Code 'unique identifier' means the last four digits of a voter's social security number." N.M. Stat. Ann. §1-1-23.

Also known asUID · voter ID · ballot ID · voter unique identifier · ballot unique identifier · HAVA ID · state voter ID
1 sources cited4 related termsReviewed Aug 9, 2026
Electronic Voting GlossaryView source

Understand more election terms clearly

Get one important election term explained each week, with authoritative sources, practical context and related definitions.

Free. One useful email each week. Unsubscribe anytime.Learn more about the ESG newsletter →
EVG
Carnegie Mellon University

1. A code placed on a ballot for inventory and audit purposes. In most states, the identifier is on a which must be removed prior to being voted. STUB 2. A separate code or string associated with each voter in a statewide registration system, as required by HAVA. 42 U.S.C. §15483. When is the unique identifier not unique? When it's in New Mexico: "As used in the Election Code 'unique identifier' means the last four digits of a voter's social security number." N.M. Stat. Ann. §1-1-23.

Electronic Voting Glossary · 2024

Cite this term

Permanent URL · stable across revisions
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Unique Identifier. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 22, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/unique-identifier

Sources

1 cited · last checked Aug 9, 2026

01

Electronic Voting Glossary
Electronic Voting Glossary

Single-source

View source

Get the weekly election term

Receive one cited, source-backed election explanation in your inbox each week.

Get election terms explained weekly →
Free · Nonpartisan · Unsubscribe anytime.
Continue Research

Keep going from here

Three ways to go deeper on voting systems and adjacent terminology.