ballot curing

[ baluht kyoor-ing ]

noun

1. the process by which voters are given the opportunity to correct clerical-level errors, such as a missing signature on a submitted ballot, that would otherwise make their ballot technically invalid and consequently uncounted:

   Guidance for ballot curing was issued by the secretary of state following increased usage of absentee ballots.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ballot curing¹

First recorded in 2020

Example Sentences

In addition to election officials reaching out to affected voters, political parties have also gathered armies of volunteers to reach out to voters — especially those who are likely supporters of their candidates and causes — for ballot curing.

From Los Angeles Times

Through the increasingly common process known as “ballot curing,” campaigns are contacting voters whose ballots were not counted because of a technicality and giving them a chance to correct their mistakes.

From Los Angeles Times

“People say it all the time, but you can actually see it with ballot curing in these close contests.”

From Los Angeles Times

Political campaigns are seizing on the opportunity to fundraise, sending pleas to their supporters for money to help the ballot curing process.

From Los Angeles Times

Smith also said that he could see litigation related to more perennial topics of dispute like ballot curing as a spark for a post-election legal blitz.

From Salon