Voter FAQs

Welcome! Your organization has chosen to use ElectionBuddy for its vote. To improve the overall voting experience, below are commonly asked questions as well as things that you can do to help prepare for the vote.

Who do I contact with questions or concerns?

Your administrator is the best person to contact with questions or concerns about the vote, the voting process, and the results. You can find your administrator's contact information:

  • In the notice you received to vote
  • By contacting your organization directly

If they aren't able to answer your question, our team is happy to help. You can contact us at support@electionbuddy.com. Please include the name of the vote you're trying to vote in.

Please note that ElectionBuddy can't provide information regarding votes that are not being administrated by ElecitonBuddy itself.

How does ElectionBuddy prevent others from viewing my voting choices?

ElectionBuddy automatically uses SSL security for all votes, with 256-bit encryption, the same used by major banks. This means the connection between your web browser and ElectionBuddy's server is completely secure when you open the ballot, make your choices, and submit your ballot, so no one is able to see your choices while you are voting.

Will my vote be anonymous?

The voter anonymity setting that was selected for your vote determines whether a voter's choices can be linked to a voter and, if so, who can access that information as part of the vote results.

When using the voting credentials you were provided to access the ballot., the information on the voter anonymity setting that was selected would be presented to you. You will be shown a message on the ballot before casting your vote, and that message will outline what visibility the administrator has into voting choices.

Some specific details on the messaging and examples that will appear are outlined in the article here for you - Voter Anonymity Settings.

Additionally, your administrator should be able to tell you which voter anonymity setting is being used and whether your vote is anonymous.

Do I need an account to vote?

No, you don't need an ElectionBuddy account to vote.! You access the vote and your ballot using the voting credentials in the notice you received from your election administrator.

What is the notice and how will I get it?

Your administrator will send you a notice containing:

  • The administrator's contact information
  • Vote information, including dates, times, and items being voted on
  • Voting instructions
  • Your voting credentials will be one or more of the following:
    • An access link
    • Access key
    • Password

You'll receive your notice by one or more of the following:

  • Email:
    • Please add invitations@mail.electionbuddy.com to your contact list to minimize the email from being identified as spam
    • The sender might be your Organization Name or ElectionBuddy, depending on your administrator's choices.
  • SMS/Text message
  • Printed - By mail or other delivery methods
  • Internal communication from your organization (e.g., newsletters, annual statements, invoices, social media, etc.)

What type of computer and software do I need to vote?

To use ElectionBuddy you don't need additional software, apps, or equipment. All you will need is:

  • An active Internet connection
  • A current web browser (e.g., Chrome, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, Firefox); with Javascript and cookies are enabled

You can use ElectionBuddy on a variety of devices, including:

  • Desktop computer
  • Laptop
  • Tablet
  • Mobile phone

How do I vote with ElectionBuddy?

To access the vote and your ballot:

  • If you received an access link:
    • Click on the access link, or copy and paste it into your browser
    • Enter additional voting credentials, if required
    • Voting flow example
  • If you received an access key:

To cast your vote:

  • Select your choices for each question on the ballot

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  • Follow the prompts from ElectionBuddy to Review your choices or Edit to make changes

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  • Submit your choices and receive your confirmation code.

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I didn't receive my notice or voting credentials

Please contact your administrator if you didn't receive a notice or can't find your voting credentials.

What if I don't have a computer, or don't want to vote electronically?

Your organization may be permitting non-electronic methods of voting, like paper ballots or voting over the phone. Please review the notice you received to see if it includes details about voting using non-electronic voting methods.

Your administrator will also know if you can vote using non-electronic voting methods. Please contact them to discuss your situation and see if they have any suggestions for you.

Your access link may not be working because:

  • You've incorrectly entered it into your browser:
    • Confirm the access link has been entered correctly, with no additional or missing characters
  • The vote you're trying to vote in isn't open:
    • Check your notice to confirm the vote's dates and times
  • You're using an access link from a previous vote; this is more common if you're participating in a meeting with a series of votes:
    • Confirm you're using a current access link

If you've confirmed your access link is correct, try one of the following options:

  • Refresh your browser page
  • Close down your browser and reopen it
  • Open a different browser (e.g., if you’re using Chrome, try using Internet Explorer, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, etc.)
  • Use an incognito/private browsing window
  • Use a different device (e.g., if you’re using a computer, try a mobile phone or tablet)

Why am I receiving a MindBlank Error message?

The Mindblank (also known as 404) errors are usually due to a miscommunication between your web browser and our server. Try using one of the following options to solve the issue:

  • Refresh your browser page
  • Close down your browser and reopen it
  • Open a different browser (e.g., if you’re using Chrome, try using Internet Explorer, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, etc.)
  • Use an incognito/private browsing window
  • Use a different device (e.g., if you’re using a computer, try a mobile phone or tablet)

Why am I seeing a message that I already voted?

You could be seeing this message because:

  • You're using an access link from a previous vote; this is more common if you're participating in a meeting with a series of votes:
    • Confirm you're using a current access link
  • The access link may have been shared with another voter who used it to vote before you were able to use it. Access links are unique to each voter.

How do I confirm my vote was received?

You'll see a confirmation message containing a confirmation code on your screen when you submit your ballot. Please save your confirmation code in your records!

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Your confirmation code:

  • Is a unique, 15-character hash
  • Can't be used to identify you or your vote choices, so your anonymity is preserved
  • Can be used to verify your vote:
    • Has been tallied and included in the results
    • Hasn't been tampered with from the time you voted to when the vote results are shared

A list of confirmation codes will be included with the vote's results. You can verify your vote by matching your confirmation code to the list.

Can I change or delete my vote?

Your vote is tallied and included in the results once you submit your ballot. It can't be changed or deleted. Please contact your administrator to discuss your situation and see if they have any suggestions for you that align with your organization's bylaws and rules.

How or when will I get the results?

Your administrator is responsible for sharing the results with you. Please contact them for information on when and how the results will be shared.

How do I unsubscribe from election emails and reminders?

ElectionBuddy will never add you to its mailing lists or send you unsolicited promotional or marketing information.

You're receiving emails and/or SMS notices and reminders because your administrator has included you on the voter list. If you don't want to receive any more information related to your election, please contact your election administrator and request removal from the voter list. Alternatively, you can use the unsubscribe link located at the bottom of your notice.



For any questions, please send us a chat using our Buddy Messenger in the bottom right of the screen

Jul 19, 2024

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