overvote

An overvote is an error on a ballot in which the voter marks more choices than are allowed for a given contest. In single-winner races, an overvote occurs when a voter selects more than one candidate. In multi-seat races or in ballots that permit multiple selections, an overvote happens when the voter marks more candidates than the permitted number.

Overvotes can occur in various ballot formats—punch-card, optical scan, mail-in, or electronic touchscreen ballots—often arising from voter confusion, ambiguous instructions, or ballot design that makes the limit unclear. It is distinct from an undervote, where the voter leaves a contest blank.

Treatment of overvoted contests varies by jurisdiction. In many systems, the overvoted contest is not counted, and the rest of the ballot may be tallied. Some jurisdictions discard the entire ballot, while others count only the non-overvoted contests. Some systems detect overvoting and prompt the voter or election official to resolve the issue.

The impact of overvoting includes wasted ballots, reduced ballot efficiency, and potentially altered outcomes in close races. Studying overvotes informs ballot design and voter education to reduce such errors and improve the accuracy of election results.

See also: undervote, spoiled ballot, ballot design.