Overvotes

Overvotes are situations in which a voter marks more selections than the contest allows. In a single-choice race, marking more than one candidate constitutes an overvote; in a multi-seat or “vote for up to N” contest, selecting more than the allowed number also counts as an overvote. Overvotes can occur in candidate races, ballot questions, or other contests where only one option or a limited number is permitted.

Overvotes can arise from voter error, confusing instructions, or ballot design that makes it easy to select multiple options. They are distinct from undervotes, where no option is selected in a contest. Ballot systems that scan or tally votes typically record overvotes at the contest level, and the way they are counted can differ by jurisdiction and ballot type.

Handling of overvotes varies. In many jurisdictions, an overvote invalidates only the affected contest while the rest of the ballot is counted. Some ballots are treated as spoiled for that contest; in other cases, voters may be allowed to correct or “cure” the ballot during a designated period. The specific rules determine whether the overvote affects the overall result or is isolated to that contest.

Overvotes are often discussed in election audits and recounts as indicators of ballot design quality and voter understanding. See also undervotes.