revote

A revote is a second vote conducted after the outcome of an initial election, referendum, or ballot measure is deemed invalid, inconclusive, or compromised. It is typically a separate voting event organized under electoral law, not merely a recount of ballots from the original tally. A revote may be nationwide or limited to a specific race, district, or ballot item, depending on the legal framework.

Revotes are usually triggered by formal actions such as court rulings, investigations, or statutory provisions that invalidate results due to irregularities, fraud, counting errors, or other defects in the electoral process. They can also occur if required by constitutional or statutory thresholds, such as turnout requirements or validation rules that were not met in the initial vote.

Procedures and scope for a revote vary by jurisdiction. A revote may involve new ballots, revised ballot design, changes to polling locations or voting methods, and possibly new candidate nominations, especially if the affected contest is redone. Timing is governed by law and administrative decisions, and the revote may target only the contested race or extend to a broader portion of the election.

Impact and considerations are significant. Revotes entail substantial costs, logistical challenges, and potential effects on voter fatigue and public trust. Proponents argue that a revote restores legitimacy, while critics warn of wasted resources or opportunistic manipulation. Related concepts include recounts, runoff elections, and fresh elections ordered after invalidation of results.