# Ballots

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

![](/files/uj4o2ddW2koTW40bTt1x)

## 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`*. 

![](/files/jDB1rpXqCg1cw53qso3o)

### 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](/files/oAT5BFpwwCGjj3PhkPXN) ![Report can be reviewed on screen or printed](/files/ESJzCTt6DvPbhv7duOWp)

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

#### 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](/vxsuite-user-manual-v2/central-system-setup/save-ballot-package.md). 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](/files/gGZ5kVbi882YWhxQIyOg)

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


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.voting.works/vxsuite-user-manual-v2/central-system-setup/ballots.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.