# Ballots

To print, view, or save ballots, use an Election Manager card to access VxAdmin. All ballot styles are found in the Ballots tab.

![](https://4254193728-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MG9wD-Y3d44SQHvGeTp%2Fuploads%2FQpQmT6mfu8guH2oKvWTv%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=2f7d4c48-7e72-4239-bf6a-054f4a768c6b)

## Print or Save a Ballot

Select three options before printing a ballot:

* *`Official`* or *`Test`*or*`Sample`*
* *`Absentee`* or *`Precinct`*
* Number of copies

Once selected, simply click *`Print [Number] [Mode] [Type] Ballot(s)`* to print your desired ballot(s). VxAdmin prints 1 Official Absentee ballot by default. To save a PDF, select *`Save Ballot as PDF`*. 

![](https://4254193728-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MG9wD-Y3d44SQHvGeTp%2Fuploads%2FvP07VsKPGc4ifN0f5ntv%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=cb9ae9c7-fdd4-4a13-b6b0-fab7fc2bb973)

### Official vs. Test vs. Sample Ballots

#### Official Ballot

Official ballots should only be printed for marking by voters. These ballots are titled **Official Ballot** in the top-left ballot corner and will be tabulated when VxScan or VxCentralScan is in Live mode.

The number of official ballots printed can be found under the Reports tab by selecting *`Printed Ballots Report`*. The report can be reviewed on screen or printed. 

![Reports tab, Printed Ballots Report](https://4254193728-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MG9wD-Y3d44SQHvGeTp%2Fuploads%2Fqj3Y4jhgS6VEoPzA3oHr%2FVxAdmin%20Reports%20main%20with%20ballots%20printed.png?alt=media\&token=35eec62e-56de-4848-87b8-026c263771fb) ![Report can be reviewed on screen or printed](https://4254193728-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MG9wD-Y3d44SQHvGeTp%2Fuploads%2F0tmo5F2cTYRcOGWcxnmt%2FVxAdmin%20Reports%20Printed%20Ballots%20Report.png?alt=media\&token=a57a19ab-c1d3-407e-ab81-686d6d7e1484)

To have official ballots printed by a vendor, use the .pdfs found in the [ballot package](https://docs.voting.works/vxsuite-user-manual-v2/central-system-setup/save-ballot-package).

#### Test Ballot

A test ballot should be used for testing purposes. Test ballots appear the same as an official ballot but are titled **Test Ballot** in the top-left ballot corner.

Test ballots will not be tabulated by default and are only read by the VxScan or VxCentralScan when in Test mode.

**Sample Ballot**

A sample ballot should be used for proofing, display, or demonstration use. Sample ballots will not be read by VxScan. Sample ballots are also available as .pdfs in the [ballot package](https://docs.voting.works/vxsuite-user-manual-v2/central-system-setup/save-ballot-package). The .pdfs can be used to print them on larger paper.

### Absentee vs. Precinct Ballots

An absentee ballot should be used for absentee voting and a precinct ballot should be used for all precinct voters, including affidavit, curbside, and emergency voters. Absentee and precinct ballots are the same with the exception of a label printed in the top-left corner and on every page footer for absentee ballots. With a color printer, the label is printed as white text on purple background. With a black-and-white printer, the label is printed as white text on grey background.

![Absentee header in color](https://4254193728-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MG9wD-Y3d44SQHvGeTp%2Fuploads%2FDKSXh0fEA5p97rMLcXTm%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=d152127d-11b9-444b-88c5-62fed38fec36)

If printing ballots outside of VxAdmin, please review the [Ballot Printing Specifications page](https://docs.voting.works/vxsuite-user-manual-v2/reference/ballot-printing-specifications-and-supply-list) for important instructions.