Export your learner materials as an interactive game, a webpage, or FAQ style cheatsheet.
Unsaved Work Found!
It looks like you have unsaved work from a previous session. Would you like to restore it?
Total Categories: 5
An overvote is defined as the selection of fewer options than are permitted for a specific contest on a ballot.
Answer: False
The definition of an overvote pertains to selecting more options than permitted, not fewer, for a given electoral contest.
In a standard election contest, an overvote results in the vote for that specific race being counted towards the final tally.
Answer: False
When an overvote occurs, the vote for that particular race is invalidated and consequently not counted towards the final election results.
A common example of an overvote is marking a ballot for only one candidate in a race where instructions permit voting for up to two candidates.
Answer: False
This scenario describes a valid vote or potentially an undervote if only one choice was made when two were permitted. An overvote occurs when more choices than permitted are selected.
According to Robert's Rules of Order (11th edition), votes cast in excess of the number allowed for a contest are considered legal and should be counted.
Answer: False
Robert's Rules of Order, 11th edition, stipulates that votes cast in excess of the number permitted for a contest, such as an overvote, are considered illegal and must not be counted.
The term 'residual votes' exclusively encompasses overvotes.
Answer: False
Residual votes is a collective term that includes both overvotes and undervotes, not solely overvotes.
Residual votes are primarily used to assess the voter's preferred candidate in close elections.
Answer: False
Residual votes are primarily significant as an academic indicator for assessing the accuracy and effectiveness of a voting system, rather than directly determining preferred candidates in close races.
Overvotes are universally considered invalid in every type of electoral system.
Answer: False
While overvotes are typically invalid in many systems, certain electoral methods, such as approval voting, permit the selection of multiple options, thus rendering the concept of an 'invalid overvote' inapplicable in those contexts.
Overvotes are typically considered illegal in plurality voting systems and limited voting systems.
Answer: True
In systems like plurality voting (where the highest vote count wins) and limited voting (where voters have fewer votes than seats), selecting more candidates than permitted constitutes an overvote and is generally deemed illegal.
In approval voting, an invalid overvote cannot occur because selecting multiple candidates is a valid action within that system.
Answer: True
Approval voting permits voters to select any number of candidates they approve of. Therefore, selecting multiple candidates is a valid action, and the concept of an invalid overvote does not apply.
In a corporate context, an 'overvote' refers to a shareholder casting votes for fewer shares than they are authorized to.
Answer: False
In corporate proxy voting, an overvote typically signifies casting votes for *more* shares or proxies than authorized, not fewer.
The Election Assistance Commission (EAC) provides guidelines concerning the definition and handling of overvotes.
Answer: True
The Election Assistance Commission (EAC) has published guidelines, such as the '2005 Voluntary Voting System Guidelines,' which address the definition and implications of overvotes.
The '2005 Voluntary Voting System Guidelines' suggest that an overvote should be counted as a valid vote for the candidate selected first.
Answer: False
The '2005 Voluntary Voting System Guidelines' indicate that an overvote results in a spoiled vote for that contest, meaning it is not counted towards the final tally.
The paper 'Machines Versus Humans: The Counting and Recounting of Pre-Scored Punchcard Ballots' discusses residual votes.
Answer: True
This academic paper, associated with the CALTECH/MIT Voting Technology Project, examines issues related to ballot counting, including residual votes.
An undervote occurs when a voter selects more options than are permitted for a contest.
Answer: False
An undervote occurs when a voter selects fewer options than permitted, or no options at all, in a contest. Selecting more options than permitted is an overvote.
Limited voting systems are mentioned as contexts where overvotes are generally considered legal.
Answer: False
Limited voting systems typically consider overvotes illegal, as they restrict the number of votes a voter can cast, and exceeding this limit invalidates the vote for that contest.
What is the definition of an overvote in the context of an election contest?
Answer: Selecting more options than are permitted for a particular contest or race on their ballot.
An overvote occurs when a voter selects more candidates or options than the rules allow for a specific contest on their ballot.
What is the primary consequence of an overvote on a ballot according to typical election rules?
Answer: The vote for that particular race is not counted towards the final tally.
In most electoral systems, an overvote invalidates the vote for the specific contest in which it occurred, meaning it is not included in the final count for that race.
Which of the following is cited as a common example of an overvote?
Answer: A voter marking their ballot for two or more candidates in a race where instructions state 'Vote for not more than one'.
Selecting multiple candidates in a single-choice race, such as marking two candidates when only one is permitted, constitutes an overvote.
What is an undervote?
Answer: Selecting no options in a contest where voting is possible.
An undervote occurs when a voter casts a ballot but does not select any candidate or option in a particular contest.
In corporate proxy voting, an overvote occurs if an individual:
Answer: Votes more proxies than they are authorized to cast.
In corporate proxy voting, an overvote signifies casting votes that exceed the shareholder's authorized limit, such as voting for more shares than they own.
What is the primary function of a ballot box?
Answer: To securely contain completed ballots before counting.
A ballot box serves as a secure receptacle for cast ballots, ensuring their integrity and confidentiality until the official counting process commences.
What are some examples of electoral systems that fall under plurality or majoritarian systems?
Answer: True
The first-past-the-post system and the two-round system are common examples of plurality and majoritarian electoral methods, respectively.
What are some electoral systems categorized under proportional or semi-proportional representation?
Answer: True
Systems such as single non-transferable vote, cumulative voting, party-list proportional representation, and single transferable voting are designed to achieve proportional representation.
What are some examples of mixed-member electoral systems?
Answer: True
Mixed-member systems, which combine proportional and majoritarian elements, include mixed-member proportional representation, additional member systems, and parallel voting.
What is the primary function of a ballot box in the electoral process?
Answer: True
A ballot box is designed to securely hold cast ballots, preserving their integrity and confidentiality until they are tallied.
What are some different types of ballots that voters might encounter during an election?
Answer: True
Voters may encounter various ballot types, including absentee ballots, provisional ballots, and sample ballots, each serving distinct functions in the electoral process.
What is the role of a polling place in an election?
Answer: True
A polling place is the designated physical location where eligible voters can cast their ballots in person on election day.
What is an absentee ballot?
Answer: True
An absentee ballot allows registered voters to cast their vote prior to election day, typically by mail or in person, for those unable to vote at their assigned polling place on election day.
An absentee ballot allows a voter to cast their vote in person at the polling place if they are unable to vote on election day.
Answer: False
An absentee ballot is typically cast remotely (e.g., by mail), not in person at the polling place on election day. It is for voters who cannot or prefer not to vote on election day.
What is the overarching field of study that encompasses the topic of overvotes and election processes?
Answer: True
The study of overvotes and election processes falls under the broad discipline of Political Science, specifically concerning electoral systems and voting procedures.
What is the primary function of a ballot box?
Answer: To securely contain completed ballots before counting.
A ballot box serves as a secure receptacle for cast ballots, ensuring their integrity and confidentiality until the official counting process commences.
Which of the following is an example of a protest vote action mentioned in the source?
Answer: Intentionally spoiling a ballot
Intentionally spoiling a ballot is a recognized form of protest vote, used to express dissatisfaction with the available options or the electoral process itself.
The 'coattail effect' describes the influence of:
Answer: A popular candidate on lower-office candidates of the same party.
The coattail effect refers to the phenomenon where a successful candidate for a major office can help carry their party's candidates for lesser offices to victory.
The 'paradox of voting' questions why:
Answer: Citizens vote in large numbers even when the personal benefit seems negligible.
The paradox of voting addresses the apparent irrationality of voting when the direct, individual benefit is often minimal compared to the costs of participation, yet turnout remains substantial.
Which of the following best describes 'vote splitting'?
Answer: When multiple candidates with similar appeal divide votes, potentially causing a less preferred candidate to win.
Vote splitting occurs when candidates with similar platforms divide the electorate's support, potentially enabling a candidate with broader, but not majority, appeal to win.
What is political apathy?
Answer: A lack of interest or concern regarding politics.
Political apathy is characterized by a general disinterest or lack of engagement with political issues, processes, and candidates.
What does the term 'lesser-evil voting' refer to?
Answer: Voting for a candidate perceived as the least objectionable among options.
Lesser-evil voting is a strategic choice where a voter selects the candidate deemed least undesirable from a set of options, often to prevent a more disliked candidate from winning.
Which of the following is a potential consequence of vote splitting?
Answer: The election of a candidate preferred by a minority of voters in a group.
Vote splitting can lead to a situation where a candidate wins with less than majority support, potentially meaning they are preferred by only a minority of the overall electorate or a specific faction.
The 'coattail effect' occurs when a candidate's popularity helps other candidates from the same party win lower offices.
Answer: True
The coattail effect describes how a popular candidate for higher office can positively influence the electoral success of their party's candidates for lower offices.
The paradox of voting suggests that rational individuals might not vote because the personal benefit is often negligible compared to the costs.
Answer: True
The paradox of voting highlights the theoretical challenge of explaining why rational individuals participate in elections when the direct, personal benefit of a single vote is often outweighed by the costs of participation.
Vote splitting occurs when a candidate wins an election with less than 50% of the vote due to multiple similar candidates dividing the opposition's support.
Answer: True
Vote splitting describes a scenario where multiple candidates with similar platforms divide the electorate's support, potentially allowing a candidate with less overall support to win.
Political apathy is characterized by intense interest and engagement in political processes and candidates.
Answer: False
Political apathy is defined by a lack of interest or concern regarding politics, rather than intense engagement.
What is political apathy?
Answer: True
Political apathy is characterized by a lack of interest or concern regarding politics and political processes, potentially leading to reduced civic engagement.
What is voter fatigue?
Answer: True
Voter fatigue describes a weariness or disinterest among voters, often stemming from frequent elections or complex issues, which can result in lower turnout.
What is the primary purpose of election ink?
Answer: To prevent individuals from voting more than once.
Election ink, often indelible, is applied to voters' hands or fingers after they cast their ballot, serving as a deterrent against multiple voting.
What is a Voting Advice Application (VAA)?
Answer: A tool to help voters make informed decisions based on policy preferences.
Voting Advice Applications (VAAs) are tools designed to assist voters by matching their policy positions with those of candidates or parties, thereby facilitating informed decision-making.
Which of the following is a form of electoral fraud or irregularity mentioned in the source?
Answer: Voter caging
Voter caging is identified as a controversial tactic used for voter suppression, which constitutes an electoral irregularity.
What is the main function of a secret ballot?
Answer: To ensure voter anonymity and prevent intimidation.
The primary purpose of a secret ballot is to guarantee voter anonymity, thereby protecting individuals from coercion and ensuring the integrity of free and fair elections.
What does 'voter turnout' measure?
Answer: The percentage of eligible voters who cast a ballot.
Voter turnout quantifies the proportion of eligible citizens who participate in an election by casting a vote.
Which of the following is a measure employed to prevent electoral fraud?
Answer: Implementing robust voter registration systems.
Robust voter registration systems are a key administrative measure designed to ensure only eligible citizens participate in elections, thereby preventing certain types of fraud.
Ballot stuffing is a legitimate method used to ensure all votes are accurately recorded.
Answer: False
Ballot stuffing is a form of electoral fraud involving the secret addition of fraudulent ballots to manipulate vote counts, and is therefore an illegal practice.
Voter intimidation is a legal tactic used to encourage more citizens to participate in elections.
Answer: False
Voter intimidation, which involves threats or harassment to deter voting, is an illegal tactic aimed at suppressing participation, not encouraging it.
What does 'voter turnout' measure?
Answer: True
Voter turnout is a metric representing the percentage of eligible voters who cast a ballot in an election, serving as an indicator of civic engagement.
What is ballot stuffing?
Answer: True
Ballot stuffing is an illegal electoral practice involving the surreptitious insertion of fraudulent ballots to inflate vote counts for a particular candidate or party.
What is voter intimidation?
Answer: True
Voter intimidation involves the use of threats, coercion, or harassment to discourage eligible citizens from exercising their right to vote, and is an illegal act.
What is vote buying?
Answer: True
Vote buying is the illicit practice of offering money or goods in exchange for a vote, thereby corrupting the electoral process by commodifying suffrage.
What is voter suppression?
Answer: True
Voter suppression encompasses deliberate actions aimed at preventing eligible citizens from registering or casting their ballots, employing various tactics to disenfranchise voters.
What is voter caging?
Answer: True
Voter caging is a controversial suppression tactic involving the identification and challenge of voters based on questionable address data, potentially disenfranchising legitimate voters.
What is the purpose of election ink?
Answer: True
Election ink is primarily used to mark voters, typically on their hands or fingers, after they have cast their ballot, serving as a measure to prevent individuals from voting more than once.
Which U.S. federal agency is mentioned as providing guidelines on overvotes?
Answer: Election Assistance Commission (EAC)
The Election Assistance Commission (EAC) is cited for providing guidelines and recommendations related to voting systems and the handling of overvotes.
What is the title of the EAC document referenced in the source regarding overvotes?
Answer: Voluntary Voting System Guidelines (2005)
The specific document mentioned from the Election Assistance Commission concerning overvotes is the '2005 Voluntary Voting System Guidelines'.
The paper 'Machines Versus Humans: The Counting and Recounting of Pre-Scored Punchcard Ballots' was associated with which project?
Answer: The CALTECH/MIT Voting Technology Project
This influential paper on ballot counting methodologies was a product of the CALTECH/MIT Voting Technology Project.
What is the purpose of a provisional ballot?
Answer: To provide a ballot for voters whose eligibility is uncertain on election day, pending verification.
Provisional ballots are used for voters whose eligibility cannot be immediately confirmed at the polling place, allowing them to vote while their eligibility is subsequently verified.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) published a document related to corporate proxy voting mechanics.
Answer: True
The SEC has indeed published materials addressing the mechanics of corporate proxy voting, which is relevant to understanding corporate overvotes.
The paper 'Machines Versus Humans: The Counting and Recounting of Pre-Scored Punchcard Ballots' discusses residual votes.
Answer: True
This paper, associated with the CALTECH/MIT Voting Technology Project, examines issues related to ballot counting, including residual votes.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) published a document related to corporate proxy voting mechanics.
Answer: True
The SEC has published materials addressing the mechanics of corporate proxy voting, which is relevant to understanding corporate overvotes.
What is the purpose of a provisional ballot?
Answer: To provide a ballot for voters whose eligibility is uncertain on election day, pending verification.
Provisional ballots are issued to voters whose eligibility status is in question on election day, allowing them to cast a vote that is later counted only after their eligibility is confirmed.