1-1-5.2: Definition of a vote; machine-tabulated; hand-tallied; write-in.

A. For a candidate contest or ballot question that is machine-tabulated on a vote tabulation system certified for use in this state, a vote shall be counted if the:

(1) voter's selection of a candidate or answer to a ballot question is indicated in the voting response area of the paper ballot; and

(2) ballot is marked in accordance with the instructions for that ballot type.

B. For a candidate contest or ballot question that is hand-tallied, a vote shall be counted if:

(1) the ballot is marked in accordance with the instructions for that ballot type;

(2) the preferred candidate's name or answer to a ballot question is circled;

(3) there is a distinct marking, such as a cross or check, within the voting response area for the preferred candidate or answer to a ballot question; or

(4) the presiding judge and election judges hand-tallying the ballot unanimously agree that the voter's intent is clearly discernable.

C. For a candidate contest in which there is a declared write-in candidate and a write-in vote is cast, the write-in vote shall be counted if the name is:

(1) the name of a declared write-in candidate for that office and position and is on the proper line provided for a write-in vote for that office and position; and

(2) written as first and last name; first name, middle name or initial and last name; one or two initials and last name; or last name alone if there is no other declared write-in candidate for the office or position that is the same or so similar as to tend to confuse the candidates' identities; provided that:

(a) when the presiding judge and election judges reviewing the write-in vote unanimously agree that the voter's intent is clearly discernable, an abbreviation, misspelling or other minor variation in the form of the name of a declared write-in candidate shall be accepted as a valid vote; and

(b) as used in this subsection, "write-in" and "written" do not include the imprinting of any name by stamp or similar method or device or the use of a stencil or a preprinted sticker or label.