Resources > Ballot Order: Randomization and rotation

Ballot Order: Randomization and rotation

Research and guidance on randomizing and rotating ballot order to prevent bias

table of contents

One of the ways that a ballot can introduce bias is the order in which candidates are presented in each contest.

Research shows that being listed first can give candidates an edge, especially in low-profile races.

This guide includes options for creating randomness (lot draws, randomized alphabets, mechanical devices), examples from the field, how to implement ballot rotation to further increase fairness and links to helpful ballot design resources.

The Center for Civic Design created this tool based on a body of research on ballot design.

What you’ll need

Download of Ballot Order: Randomization and rotation
Staff responsible for ballot order selection and ballot setup
A defined and transparent method for randomizing candidate order

Getting started

Social science research has demonstrated that a candidate’s position on the ballot can influence election outcomes. This guide explains the research behind ballot order effects and describes methods for producing randomness and rotation.

The guide covers:

Ballot design resources
Social science research on the effects of ballot order
Different methods for producing randomness

Download the Ballot Order: Randomization and rotation (PDF)

Using the tool

Use this tool as a reference for understanding the social science behind ballot order effects and the methods to produce randomness and rotation in candidate order.

The guide can help election officials, administrators, and communications staff build shared understanding about why ballot order matters, how different randomization approaches work, and how these methods support legal and design requirements for neutrality.

Download the Ballot Order: Randomization and rotation (PDF)

Customizing for your office

Any tips for customizing this resource for my office?

This guide includes different methods for randomization. Consider the options that best align with your office’s legal requirements, resources, and ballot production process.

How do I know if this resource is helping?

You are able to assess whether your ballot order is truly randomized and can confidently apply appropriate randomization methods to your ballot order.

Which Standards of Excellence does this resource support?

Ballots and Audits
Communications

Which Values of Excellence does this resource support? Why?

Values for the U.S. Alliance for Election Excellence define our shared vision for the way election departments across the country can aspire to excellence. These values help us navigate the challenges of delivering successful elections and maintaining our healthy democracy.

Alliance values are nonpartisan and designed by local election officials, designers, technologists and other experts to support local election departments.

You may find this tool especially helpful for this Value:

High integrity. The best practices establish fair, non-biased elections by presenting options for ballot randomization.

To learn more about the Values for Election Excellence, and to see the full list, visit the Alliance website.

Sharing feedback

How was this resource developed?

This resource has been developed based on research, but has yet to be tested with voters or put into practice. Share your experience with this resource and improve it for your peers by reaching out to support@ElectionExcellence.org.

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