Section 603 - Sample ballotsSample ballots are governed by the following provisions. [1997, c. 436, §77(AMD).]
1.Secretary of State to prepare. The Secretary of State shall prepare the sample ballots. A. The words "SAMPLE BALLOT" in bold type, the title and date of the election, and the name of the voting district must be printed at the top of the ballot. The facsimile of the state seal may not be printed on it. It must be printed flat. Otherwise, it must be printed substantially the same as a regular ballot. [2007, c. 455, §20(AMD).]B. The ballot must be printed on paper of a distinctive color. [1985, c. 161, §6(NEW).] [2007, c. 455, §20(AMD).]
2.When furnished. The Secretary of State shall send a reasonable number of sample ballots to the clerk for posting as provided in section 625 and for voter information. [2007, c. 455, §21(AMD).]
3.Available for publication. Within a reasonable time before the election, the Secretary of State shall make sample ballots available for publication in all newspapers having general circulation in the area to which the ballots pertain. A single sample ballot so published may carry the name of each candidate for State Senator and Representative to the Legislature in the area covered by the circulation of the newspaper. The name of the voting district need not be printed on the published sample ballot. [1997, c. 436, §77(AMD).]
4.Candidate or nominee to fill vacancy.[1995, c. 459, §38(RP).]
4-A.Clerk to review sample ballots. Upon receipt, the clerk shall review the sample ballots for accuracy and must immediately notify the Secretary of State of any errors. [1997, c. 436, §77(AMD).]
4-B.Duplication of sample ballots. Sample ballots may be duplicated as needed at the clerk's own discretion. [1997, c. 436, §77(AMD).]
5.Sample ballot instructions printed in French language. The Secretary of State shall prepare ballot instructions in the French language, to be printed on a separate sheet of paper that may conveniently be attached to sample ballots. The Secretary of State shall furnish these ballot instruction sheets upon request by the clerk of a municipality. [1997, c. 436, §77(AMD).]
6.Violation; unofficial specimen ballot.[1985, c. 383, §9(RP).]
1985, c. 161, § 6 (NEW) . 1985, c. 383, § 9 (AMD) . 1995, c. 459, §§37-39 (AMD) . 1997, c. 436, § 77 (AMD) . 2007, c. 455, §§20, 21 (AMD) .