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1. 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

2. 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.

3. How do you 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

4. What is 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.

5. What if I need 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.