OVERVOTES AND UNDERVOTES

WHAT IS AN OVERVOTE?

An overvote occurs when an individual indicates on his/her ballot a vote for more candidates than the number of candidates for which an individual is permitted to vote for a particular office.

• Overvotes can only occur when voting on a punch card, optical scan or paper ballot voting system
  
  
• Overvotes cannot occur when voting on a lever voting machine or direct recording electronic device.

WHAT IS THE RESULT OF AN OVERVOTE?

When a voter overvotes for a particular office, all of the votes cast by that voter for the overvoted office are CANCELLED.

HOW TO AVOID AN OVERVOTE

To avoid overvoting when on a punch card, optical scan or paper ballot voting system.

• Be sure to read the voting instructions for the voting system used in your election district.
  
  
• If you inadvertently vote for more than the allowed number of candidates for a particular office ask for a new ballot BEFORE THE DEFECTIVE BALLOT IS CAST. If you have not cast the ballot, the district election board is obligated to provide you with a replacement ballot upon request.
  
  
• Examples of instructions for voting should be similar to the following:
  
  
  • Vote for One.
  • Vote for not more than Two.
  • Voter for not more than Three.

UNDERVOTING

Overvoting should not be confused with undervoting. A voter undervotes when he casts fewer votes for a particular office than he is permitted to cast. UNDERVOTING IS EVERY VOTER'S RIGHT. NO BALLOT OR VOTE WILL BE CANCELLED AS A RESULT OF AN UNDERVOTE.

ASK FOR HELP

If you are confused as to whether you have overvoted or undervoted, PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO ASK FOR ASSISTANCE FROM A MEMBER OF THE DISTRICT BOARD OF ELECTIONS.