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

Show All Answers

1. What is an overvote?
2. What is the result of an overvote?
3. How do you avoid an overvote?
4. What is undervoting?
5. What if I need help?