The Sharpie Debate: Can You Use a Sharpie on Your Ballot?

As the presidential election approaches on November 5, 2023, voters across the country are preparing to cast their ballots. Amidst the excitement and anticipation, a question has emerged that has sparked confusion and concern: Can you use a Sharpie to fill out your ballot? Some social media posts have claimed that using a Sharpie could invalidate your vote, while others assert that many ballot tabulator manufacturers actually recommend them. Let’s dive into the facts surrounding this issue.

The Question at Hand

Can You Use a Sharpie to Fill Out Your Ballot?

The short answer is yes, in many states, you can use a Sharpie to fill out your ballot. In fact, several voting machine manufacturers endorse the use of Sharpies over traditional ink pens. The reasoning behind this recommendation is straightforward: Sharpies dry quickly, and their ink is often more easily read by voting machines.

The Sources of Confusion

Misinformation and Claims of Fraud

The debate over Sharpies has been fueled by misinformation circulating online. Some individuals have gone so far as to suggest that the use of Sharpies at polling places is a sign of election fraud, claiming that voters are being misled into using them, which could lead to invalidated ballots. Such claims have been thoroughly investigated and debunked.

For instance, Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich conducted an investigation into the use of Sharpies during the 2020 election. His findings concluded that the use of Sharpies “did not result in disenfranchisement for Arizona voters.” This investigation highlights that the fears surrounding Sharpies are largely unfounded.

What Election Officials Say

Endorsements from Voting Machine Manufacturers

Many election officials and voting machine manufacturers have publicly stated that using a Sharpie will not invalidate your ballot. The Michigan Department of State explicitly states, “Using a Sharpie permanent marker to mark a ballot will not invalidate or cancel a ballot or vote.” Similarly, the Illinois State Board of Elections has shared graphics on social media affirming that Sharpies are the preferred method for marking ballots in many voting systems.

Local Election Offices Weigh In

Election officials from various counties, including Santa Clara and San Bernardino in California, as well as Montgomery County in Pennsylvania, have confirmed that voters can use Sharpies on their ballots. These officials emphasize that Sharpies have been tested and approved for use with their voting machines.

Addressing Concerns About Ink Bleed

The Issue of Ink Bleedthrough

One of the concerns raised about using Sharpies is the potential for ink bleedthrough, where the ink seeps through the paper and affects the other side of the ballot. However, the Michigan Department of State has reassured voters that ballots are designed to prevent bleedthrough from impacting the voting area on the opposite side. “It will not alter or cancel any vote on the opposite side,” they state.

If a ballot does encounter issues that affect its ability to be scanned, election officials have protocols in place to ensure that the vote can still be counted. This may include hand counting the ballot or duplicating it for clarity.

State-Specific Guidelines

Not All States Are Alike

While many states and counties encourage the use of Sharpies, some have specific guidelines that advise against it. For example, certain counties in New Hampshire recommend using a standard pen or number 2 pencil for absentee ballots, explicitly stating that markers or Sharpies should not be used.

Your Options at the Polls

It’s important to note that no state or county mandates the use of Sharpies for filling out ballots. Voters who prefer to use a regular pen can request one at polling places. Election officials in counties like Santa Clara and San Bernardino have made it clear that voters can use blue or black ink pens as an alternative.

Conclusion

As the election date approaches, it’s crucial for voters to be informed about the tools they can use to cast their ballots. The evidence suggests that using a Sharpie to fill out your ballot is permissible in many states and is often recommended by election officials and voting machine manufacturers. While concerns about election fraud and invalidated votes have circulated, these claims have been debunked by investigations and official statements.

Ultimately, voters should feel confident in their ability to mark their ballots accurately, whether they choose a Sharpie or a traditional pen. As always, if you have any doubts or questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local election office for guidance. Your vote matters, and being informed is the first step toward making it count.