A vote that could have been cast by a voter but was not validly cast, for whatever reason. Residual votes are caused by (1) the deliberate choice not to vote; (2) overvoting, resulting in a vote not being counted; (3) voter inadvertence resulting in failure to cast a vote; and (4) failure of the voting system to record a vote. It is equal to the sum UNCOUNTED BALLOTS + for a particular office. In Mississippi, "'residual votes' UNMARKED BALLOTS + OVERVOTES means overvotes, undervotes and any other vote not counted for any reason. Miss. Code §25- 15-613(1). The same statute requires reporting of residual votes for any voting system that does not produce a ballot.
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A vote that could have been cast by a voter but was not validly cast, for whatever reason. Residual votes are caused by (1) the deliberate choice not to vote; (2) overvoting, resulting in a vote not being counted; (3) voter inadvertence resulting in failure to cast a vote; and (4) failure of the voting system to record a vote. It is equal to the sum UNCOUNTED BALLOTS + for a particular office. In Mississippi, "'residual votes' UNMARKED BALLOTS + OVERVOTES means overvotes, undervotes and any other vote not counted for any reason. Miss. Code §25- 15-613(1). The same statute requires reporting of residual votes for any voting system that does not produce a ballot.
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Residual Vote. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 20, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/residual-vote
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High consensus
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