16-464. Rotation of names on ballots

A. When there are two or more candidates for a nomination, except in the case of precinct committeemen, the names of all candidates for the nomination shall be so alternated upon the ballots used in each election precinct that the name of each candidate shall appear substantially an equal number of times at the top, at the bottom and in each intermediate place of the list or group of candidates in which they belong. When there are fewer than or the same number of candidates seeking office as the number to be elected, rotation of names is not required and the names shall be placed in alphabetical order.

B. The position of the names of candidates for precinct committeemen shall be drawn by lot for appearance on the ballot when there are more candidates than positions available. Such drawing shall take place at a public meeting called by the board of supervisors for that purpose.

C. In elections in which paper ballots are used, the ballots shall be printed and bound so that every ballot in the bound blocks shall have the names in a different and alternating position from the preceding ballot.

D. When there are two or more precincts in a political subdivision that hold an all mail ballot election, candidate name rotation shall be the presumed method of ballot organization, unless candidate name rotation is found to be impracticable. When candidate name rotation is found to be impracticable, the position of the names of candidates shall be drawn by lot at a public meeting.

E. The provisions of this section shall not be applied where voting machines are used.