Securing And Routing Election Materials

A. After the canvass is complete, election officials should:
(1) Close and lock the counting compartment of the voting
machine to prevent it from being tampered with. It will
remain locked for a period of thirty (30) days unless
otherwise ordered by a judge. (3-1-24-10) Keys to the
machine shall be placed on strong string or wire with the
machine number attached and returned to the county au-
ditor to keep for 120 days.

(2) Place all counted, initialed ballots in the bag or envelope
provided, together with the unbroken seals of the ballot
packages and seal the bag. For primary elections, differ-
ent bags or envelopes should be used, one for each
Party. (3-1-25-4)

(3) Place all contested or "not counted" ballots in a separate
bag. These ballots each must have the initials of both
clerks and the words "not counted" written on the
back. (3-1-25-1)

(4) Place all unused ballots in another bag.

(5) Each bag should have the total number of ballots contained within written on the bag or envelope, if applicable.

Otherwise, the number must be recorded on the precinct
tally sheet, or both. These totals should add up exactly to
the total number of ballots issued to the precinct.

(6) Check the tally sheet or ballot report to make sure it is
completely filled out and properly signed.

(7) Place the tally sheet, poll lists, oaths of the election offi-
cials and other affidavits in the envelope provided.

(8) Precincts using electronic voting will seal the transfer
case with the metal or plastic seal provided, and enclose
the transfer case form and/or ballot report and certifica-
tion. The serial number used on your transfer case must
be recorded on your ballot report.

(9) Gather the remainder of your supplies together in an
orderly fashion and place them in a ballot box or the con-
tainer provided.

(10) Transfer all of the materials to the designated location, or
to the county clerk's office. All materials must be received
by the proper official by 12:00 midnight. The inspector
and the judge of the opposite political party will transfer
these materials together. (3-1-25-2)

Marks a cross X mark on or in a voting square at the left of a candidate's name

Marks more squares than there are persons to be elected
or nominated

Marks ballot in such a way that it is impossible to determine
the voter's choice of a particular candidate or specific question
Writes their name, initials, or otherwise, if they draw a number
or special symbol on their ballot

Votes a punch-card ballot for two straight party tickets

Votes a punch-card ballot for one straight party ticket and crosses over for one or more of another Party's candidates

THEN THE INSPECTOR AND OFFICIALS:

Void the entire ballot

Void the entire ballot

The primary rule is: "The intent of the voter shall be the primary factor to be considered in determining the voter's choice on a ballot, and if such intent may be determined on the ballot or part of a ballot then the vote shall be counted as to the candidate or candidates effected (affected) thereby: Provided, however any part of a ballot from which it is impossible to determine the elector's choice of candidates, shall not be counted as to the candidate, or candidates, affected thereby." (IC 3-1-25-18: Rule 7)

"

Issuing Ballots

A. At polling places where paper or punch-card ballots are
used:

(1) Both clerks must make sure their initials are hand
written (not printed) on the bottom back of each ballot
at the time of issuing the ballots under the direction of
the inspector and that the precinct number is printed
on each ballot also. (3-1-23-12 & 3-2-4-4)

(2) The two election clerks of opposite parties are in charge
of the ballots Each voter is handed a ballot after they
have signed the voter's poll list unchallenged (3-1 23.
21)

(3) The election clerks must instruct the voter to be certain
that the clerks' initials appear on the ballot and that if
they do not, the ballot will not be counted. (3-2-4-4)
(4) Paper ballots must be folded so that only the initials can
be seen. Punch-card ballots are inserted in the ballot
secrecy envelopes after voting and before handing them
to judges. (3-1-23-21)

(5) As soon as the elector has voted, the clerks shall mark
the poll list indicating that the voter has voted at such
election (3-1-23-21)

Note 'In primary elections, you must mark the pollbook
with an "R" or "D", depending on which ballot the voter
requested DO NOT just make an "X".

If a voter spoils a ballot: (IC 3-1-23-26)

(1) The voter is entitled to ask for another ballot from the
clerks

(2) The spoiled ballot is marked "spoiled" on the spot by
the elector and in the presence of the board. The clerks
will make notation of each spoiled ballot in the poll
book.

C. After ballots have been marked in the voting booth:
(1) The voter hands the folded, marked ballots to a judge or
inspector

(2) The judge shall remove the stub of a punch-card ballot and deposit the ballot card in its secrecy envelope into the ballot box.