Usability of Ranked-Choice Voting Paper Ballots

Abstract

Ranked choice voting (RCV) is a method of voting where individuals rank their choices for each race in an election, rather than selecting a single candidate. For paper ballot implementations, there are three basic formats: bubble grid, column, and handwritten. This study aimed to understand which format produces the best outcomes with the fewest errors. Using a between-subjects design, we measured voting time, errors, success rates, and overall subjective usability using the System Usability Scale (SUS). Results showed that the handwritten format took significantly longer to complete. However, the handwritten ballot errors were recoverable and generally did not invalidate the ballots. The column and bubble grid ballots had significant errors, with fewer errors on the bubble grid format. There was no significant difference in SUS scores, nor any contribution of demographics across ballot types. Ballot format directly dictates the time taken to vote, usability, and overall voter success.