ELECTION INFORMATION: Overvoting and Undervoting Explained

Have you ever wondered why when results come out election night there are these things called Overvotes and Undervotes?

Undervote: occurs when the number of choices selected by a voter in an election contest is less than the maximum number allowed for that contest. An undervote also occurs when no votes for a single choice contest.  For example, a voter that is permitted to cast one vote for a presidential candidate and does not select a candidate has undervoted.  Voters have the right to undervote if they choose to do so, a ballot will not be canceled or disqualified as the result of an undervote.

Overvotes: An overvote happens when you vote for more candidates than the number of candidates you are permitted to vote for in a particular office race. For example, a voter that is permitted to cast one vote for a presidential candidate and votes for four candidates in that race.

Tips on how to avoid overvoting the ballot:

• Be sure to read the voting instructions for the voting system used in your county. Examples of instructions for voting include:  “Vote for One”, “Vote for not more than Two”.
• If you accidentally 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 Election Official is obligated to provide you with a replacement ballot upon request.

Keep in mind that the area of the ballot that is overvoted will not be counted other than as an overvote. It is your choice not to vote for a specific race on your ballot and that’s ok because all the races you did vote for will still count!

2016 Election Dates: Colorado is an All Mail Ballot Delivery State.  Voters will receive their Official Ballot in the mail for ALL Elections.

May 27, 2016, Friday: Last day for voters who are affiliated with a political party to change or withdraw their affiliation if they wish to vote in a different party’s primary election.

June 6 – June 10, 2016 Ballots for the Primary Election will be mailed to voters this week.

Primary Election Day: Tuesday, June 28, 2016 ballot will be mailed to all active voters affiliated with Republican or Democratic parties.  Unaffiliated Voters need to affiliate and can do so either before or on Election Day.

General Election: Tuesday, November 8, 2016 ballots will be mailed to all active voters registered in Prowers County.

The Election Department can be reached at 336-8011 for voter and election questions. You can also reach our office by email at election@prowerscounty.net .

Election Information
Jana Coen
Prowers County Clerk and Recorder