Misvotes

Misvotes are votes that do not reflect the voter’s intended choice due to errors in the voting process. They occur when a ballot or voting system records a result that differs from what the voter intended to cast, and they can happen in both paper and electronic voting environments. Misvotes are distinct from undervotes (where a voter does not cast any choice on a contest) and overvotes (where a voter selects more than one option for a contest).

Causes of misvotes include ballot design and layout that cause confusion or misinterpretation, ambiguous instructions, and marks that scanners or counting software misread. Mechanical or electronic voting system errors, misalignment of ballots, software glitches, and human counting mistakes can also produce misvotes. In some cases, voter error—such as mismarking a ballot—contributes to the problem, though systems and processes aim to minimize such mistakes.

Detection and correction involve post-election procedures designed to verify vote tallies. Risk-limiting audits and other post-election audits can identify discrepancies, leading to recounts if warranted. Ballot imaging and a voter-verified paper trail improve verifiability, while provisional ballots can preserve votes that might otherwise be miscounted. Recounts and remediation efforts, together with improved ballot design and system testing, help ensure misvotes are identified and addressed.

Impact and policy considerations center on the integrity and legitimacy of elections. Misvotes can influence outcomes in close races and erode public trust, underscoring the importance of clear ballot design, tested equipment, and robust auditing practices. Notable historical concerns, such as issues associated with the butterfly ballot in the 2000 U.S. election, have driven reforms toward standardized ballot formats and greater emphasis on post-election verification.