This course provides a high-level, practical overview of a systematic approach to creating and proofing accurate ballots for Missouri local election authorities and their staff members. It examines the different types of elections administered in Missouri and the key building blocks involved in ballot creation, including districts, participating jurisdictions, candidates, ballot measures, and governing laws. Learners will also explore structured methods for reviewing and proofing ballots to help prevent errors before an election.
The course includes interactive activities, checklists, and practical tips designed to help Missouri election officials avoid common mistakes and strengthen internal processes.
This course is designed to help newer election officials and staff understand the components of ballot building and help more experienced election officials and staff identify areas for improvement.
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Discuss why accurate ballots are important and explain that the work to ensure accurate ballots begins long before programming and layout
- Identify the building blocks or components involved in ballot creation, including district boundaries, participating jurisdictions, types of elections, candidates, election laws, regulations and ballot text, including instructions, headings and ballot measures
- Identify the major steps of ballot preparation and develop a meaningful timeline for ballot creation and proofing processes
- Develop strategies for organizing all the data that go into each election and ensuring their accuracy
- Evaluate potential ballot proofing team members
- Organize the steps and people involved in a thorough systematic ballot proofing process
- Practice using a systematic approach to proofing ballots and making corrections
- Develop a communications plan for handling a ballot error
This course is self-paced and should take learners approximately 3 to 4 hours to complete.
