The general elections of the United States are scheduled for Tuesday, November 5th, where citizens will decide who will assume the presidency and vice presidency of the country for the next four years. However, the voting process includes more than just choosing the top national leaders.
In addition to the presidential election, voters will also cast their ballots for positions in Congress, as well as for governorships in 13 states and various local positions. A particularity of the American electoral system is that ballots vary by county and, at times, even by electoral district.
Everything you need to know about the ballot for the presidential elections in the United States
This variation means that the names of the candidates and the ballot structure can differ significantly between different locations. For example, in some counties, ballots have multiple pages due to the number of positions being contested, while in others they only have one or two.
For presidential elections, the candidates and their running mates appear on the first page of the ballot, with clear instructions to select only one option. Voters must follow specific guidelines to correctly mark their choice, as counting systems vary between states. Some use optical scanners to read paper ballots, while others implement electronic voting machines with touch screens.
In some places, such as Miami-Dade County in Florida, ballots consist of up to six pages, which include options for local, state, and national offices, as well as specific area amendments. In other counties, like Carroll, Maryland, the ballot is only two pages long, as it includes fewer local elections.
Following the instructions and paying attention are the keys to voting correctly
It is important for voters to carefully read each section and follow the instructions to the letter to avoid errors. In the case of electronic machines, it is recommended to review the selections before confirming them, and in paper ballots, to verify each mark before submitting them.
In case of doubts, election workers can provide assistance and issue a replacement ballot if necessary. Voters can also check the status of their vote in some states that offer real-time tracking, especially useful for those voting by mail or absentee.