Ballot item types

Each question on your ballot is a ballot item. Pick the type that matches how you want votes counted. Add items from the election Ballot tab → Add Ballot Item.

Single Choice

Voters pick exactly one option. Use for:

  • Board seats with one winner
  • Either/or decisions
  • Officer elections where only one person is elected

Multiple Choice

Voters pick up to a maximum number of options. Use for:

  • Electing multiple directors at once (e.g. "choose up to three")
  • Advisory polls where members may select several answers

Set Maximum Selections in the ballot item editor.

Yes / No

A binary vote on a motion, resolution, amendment, or assessment. Use for:

  • Bylaw amendments
  • Budget ratification
  • Special assessment approvals

Write-ins are not available for Yes/No items.

Ranked Choice

Voters rank candidates in order of preference (1st, 2nd, 3rd…). Use for:

  • Contested races where you want preference aggregation
  • Organizations whose bylaws call for ranked or preferential voting

Results tally according to ranked-choice rules configured for the item. Write-ins are not available.

Approval

Voters may approve any number of options up to a maximum. Use for:

  • Approving a slate of committee members
  • Consent agendas where multiple items pass independently

Write-ins

For Single Choice, Multiple Choice, and Approval items, open Advanced in the ballot item editor to enable write-in candidates. Voters type a name at the bottom of the ballot; write-in totals appear separately in results.

Quick selection guide

Scenario Recommended type
Elect one president Single Choice
Elect three of five candidates Multiple Choice (max 3)
Approve a special assessment Yes / No
Preferential board election Ranked Choice
Approve any of several committee nominees Approval

Once the election status is Active, ballot structure is locked to protect integrity. Build and proofread all items in Draft first.