Ballots for elections conducted under the instant runoff voting method should be clear and easily understood. Sample ballots illustrating voting procedures must be posted in or near voting booths and included within instruction packets for absentee ballots. Directions provided to voters must conform substantially to the following specifications:
"You may choose a maximum of three candidates for each office in order of preference. Indicate your first choice designation by marking the number "1" beside a candidate's name (or by marking in the column labeled "First Choice"). Indicate your second choice designation by marking the number "2" beside a candidate's name (or by marking in the column labeled "Second Choice"). Indicate your third choice designation by marking the number "3" beside a candidate's name (or by marking in the column labeled "Third Choice"). You are not required to choose more than one candidate for each office. Designating two or more candidates in order of preference will not affect your first choice designation. Do not mark the same designation number beside more than one candidate or put more than one mark in each column for the office on which you are voting. Do not skip designation numbers."
[2005 c 153 § 8.]