Redish, J.
, Chisnell, D.
, Newby, E.
, Laskowski, S.
and Lowry, S.
(2009),
Report of Findings: Use of Language in Ballot Instructions, NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=901388
(Accessed October 22, 2025)
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Report of Findings: Use of Language in Ballot Instructions
Published
Author(s)
Janice G. Redish, Dana Chisnell, Ethan Newby, ,
Abstract
In this study, we compared two ballots that differed only in wording and presentation of the language on the ballots. For Ballot A, we used conventional wording and presentation, taken from typical ballots. For Ballot B, we used plain language wording and presentation.In a study of 45 voters in three geographic locations, we compared a ballot with traditional language instructions to a ballot with plain language instructions, we took both performance and preference data. Participants voted more accurately on the ballot with plain language instructions.Citation
NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR) - 7556
Report Number
7556
NIST Pub Series
Pub Type
NIST Pubs
Download Paper
Keywords
Plain Language, Voter Performance, Ballot Instructions, Usability.
Citation
Issues
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Created May 5, 2009, Updated October 12, 2021