Guidelines for Writing Clear Instructions and Messages for Voters and Poll Workers

Published

June 5, 2009

Author(s)

Janice (Ginny) Redish, Sharon J. Laskowski

Abstract

Voters are exercising an important right as American citizens. If they cannot understand how to use their voting materials, they may not be successful in voting for the candidates and positions of their choice. Clear instructions are a necessary part of the voting process whether voters use paper ballots, mechanical devices (lever or punch card), electronic devices, or any other medium. This document includes 20 guidelines for clear ballot instructions for both paper and electronic ballots. It also gives seven guidelines for writing clear system messages on electronic voting machines. Each guideline includes a statement of what to do, reasons for doing it, and an example

Citation

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR) - 7596

Report Number

7596

NIST Pub Series

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

Download Paper

Local Download

Keywords

Ballot Usability, Ballot Instructions, Best Practice in Language, Plain Language

Citation

Redish, J. and Laskowski, S. (2009), Guidelines for Writing Clear Instructions and Messages for Voters and Poll Workers, NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=902844 (Accessed October 9, 2025)