I watched the election coverage on TV and I heard all kinds of different names of ballots being mentioned. What’s the difference between provisional ballots, absentee ballots, and butterfly ballots?

There are so many expressions thrown around during the election season that it is easy to get lost in all the jargon. Ballots are a good example. All kinds of words have been attached to the term “ballot.” These phrases can describe everything from a particular method with which the ballot will be counted to the type of actual ballot reviewed by the voter.

For example, provisional ballots are a recent development that were designed in large part to address some of the problems from the 2000 election when some voters claimed that the were wrongfully turned away from the polls when workers mistakenly thought they were not registered to vote. While the law may vary in different states, provisional ballots generally allow a properly registered and otherwise eligible individual to vote, even when the person’s name does not appear on the general voting register. This is a good thing because it allows everyone’s vote to be counted. However, the disadvantage is that the final outcome of a close election can be delayed as provisional ballots may not be fully counted and verified until several days after the election.

Alternatively, an absentee ballot is the means by which people who are unable to physically go to the polling station can vote. Traditionally, absentee ballots are used by people who are absent from their city or town on Election Day or who have a physical disability that prevents them from voting at the polling place.

A butterfly ballot simply refers to the physical layout of a particular kind of ballot. It lists the candidates or issues on two facing pages (like an open book), and the votes for both pages are usually recorded on a single ballot. The butterfly ballot was the source of intense debate in the 2000 Florida recount – mainly based on its potential to misdirect voters into voting for unwanted candidates.

This article appears in November 12 • 2004.

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