Printing Paper Ballots or Sending eBallots

FTN gives you the option to either print paper ballots or send out electronic ballot (eBallots).

1) Admin->Pair/Section->Ballots

First, choose a schedule block and then the events:

Note that you can quickly choose all the events in a schedule block with the quick 'All' link at the top of the list.

Not seeing an event? That is usually because it has not been sectioned yet. Only events that have been targeted and sectioned for a schedule block will show up here.

Next, select options such as the round start and/or ballot due message. This is left for you to type here since sometimes tournament delays make this information variable.

You can also click on the 'advanced' menu to show options that are usually not needed:

Paper Ballots for All Judges: this option can generate paper ballots for all judges in a schedule block regardless of the judge's eBallot preference. This can be helpful if you are not able to use the eBallot feature and want to just use paper again. Usually not checked.
IE Competitor Ballots: when printing paper ballots, this option generates individual competitor ballots after the judge master ballot sheet. This allow judges to record ranks, rates, and feedback for each competitor on a separate page to return to programs after the tournament. usually on when using paper ballots. If using eBallots, this setting is ignored.
Standby Judges: when printing paper ballots, this option will generate a list of all standby judges at the end of the printed ballots. This sheet can be helpful to let you know what judges you can push ballots to. Usually checked. If using eBallots, this setting is ignored.
Bye Judge Ballots: when printing paper ballots, this option controls whether ballots with a 'Bye Judge' assignment are printed. In debate for example, usually a 'bye judge' assignment is for 'bye' rounds that you want to skip. However, if you are assigning ballots by hand you can check this option and then write in the judge's name at the top of the ballot. Usually unchecked. If using eBallots, this setting is ignored.
Debate Labels: when printing paper ballots, this option will convert debate ballots into labels that you can print and attach to pre-existing debate ballots you have printed prior to the tournament. Usually not checked. If using eBallots, this setting is ignored.
Multiple Entry Notation: when printing paper ballots, this option controls whether the judge's master ballot includes a notation when a competitor is double or tripled entered in the schedule block. This can help alert judges to competitors who may late to their rooms. Usually not checked. If using eBallots, this setting is ignored.
Panelists Ballots: when printing paper ballots, this option, for British parliamentary debate, controls whether the judge panelists also receive a ballot or not. Usually not checked. If using eBallots, this setting is ignored.
Congress Seating Chart: when printing paper ballots, this option, for Student Congress events, controls whether a seating chart is included for the judge to reference. You can control how many rows and columns are used for your seating chart under Tab Settings->Congress->postings. Usually not checked. If using eBallots, this setting is ignored.

Finally, click the button for the type of ballots you are creating:

Screen is good for viewing and printing in a pinch if the PDF is not working. PDF is best for printing. eBallots sends out the ballots to the judges via email, text, or the FTN app notifications.