US ELECTION 2024

Is it mandatory to fill out every section on your US Election ballot or can some be skipped?

As the US Presidential Election looms, here are some tips for filling out the paper ballot.

Jonathan Drake

Irish native who switched from the music industry to the world of sport moving from Universal Music to AS in 2017. A keen runner, soccer player and now discovering the world's fastest growing sport of padel. A fútbol fanatic covering LaLiga, MLS, Liga MX and other offbeat stories from the global game. Can always be found rooting for the underdog.

Update: Nov 5th, 2024 10:34 EST

The 2024 USA presidential election campaign enters its last full day on Monday with Donald Trump, Kamala Harris and their teams scrambling to get supporters to the polls in a contest each candidate portrays as an existential moment for America.

Follow live the US elections 2024

Follow AS’s live coverage of Election Day and the count in swing states

The polls still show that there is nothing to choose between both candidates with the electorate divided down the middle, both nationally and in the seven battleground states expected to decide the winner on Tuesday, although the closeness of the contest means it could take days for a winner to emerge.

For those heading to the polls on Tuesday, here are a few useful tips on how to complete the all important ballot paper.

Is it mandatory to fill out every section on your US Election ballot or can some be skipped? — Chocolate bars with the faces of Democratic presidential nominee U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump Eloisa Lopez

Voting tips

The ballot includes presidential candidates, congressional candidates along with a number of propositions (these can range from minimum wage issues to same-sex marriage).

Voters are not obliged to vote in. every section and can select just the presidential race for example and the ballot still counts, and the vote will be counted for whatever race or races in which you vote.

Where to vote in Wisconsin?

US ELECTION 2024

Where to vote in New Jersey

Even if a voter isn’t voting on everything on the ballot, the ballot will still need to be marked clearly with signatures and placing your ballot in a supplied envelope.

Voting Advice : 🗳️

1. If voting on a voting machine. Take a picture of your vote, and ask for receipt. Create a stink if they won't give you one. 📱🧾

2. Use a Marker for a Paper Ballot 🖊️

3. Report any Voting Irregularities 🗳️

4. Report your Findings on X + Social Media #X pic.twitter.com/yt8TAKQZox
— peter paton (@pjpaton) October 31, 2024

Black and blue ink is strongly recommended to be used for counting purposes and election officials encourage voters to read instructions closely and carefully when voting by mail or in person.