With a Government elected by its Citizens and that effects every aspect of our lives from schools, city government, county business, state and federal laws; voting is an important right in our society. By voting, you are making your voice heard and giving you a chance to be able to vote for what you stand for by registering your opinion on how you think the government should operate.

With that being said have you ever wondered why when results come out election night there are these things called Overvotes and Undervotes?

UNDERVOTE: This 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 is made. For example, a voter who is permitted to cast one 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 who is permitted to cast one vote for a presidential candidate and votes for four candidates in that race has overvoted.

Tips on avoiding an overvote: 
Be sure to read the voting instructions for the voting system used in your county. Watch for instructions for voting to 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. The rest of the ballot area will be counted accordingly. 

YOUR VOTE IS YOUR POWER!

• Register to vote and update your registration at www.GoVoteColorado.gov
• WATCH FOR YOUR BALLOT IN THE MAIL
• MAIL BALLOTS WILL BE SENT TO YOUR LOCAL POST OFFICE ON OCTOBER 9^.
• The Kiowa County Courthouse Drop Box is located on the west side of the Courthouse. It is under 24-hour surveillance.
• We are encouraging voters to MAIL back ballots as the Courthouse is still under COVID-19 conditions. (Temperature will be taken, mask, hand sanitizing and 6 ft. socializing distance).

The Kiowa County Clerk’s Office will be the Voting Service Polling Center. Ballots can be dropped off at our office beginning October 9, 2020. We are ENCOURAGING you to mail your ballot, due to COVID -19. If you have further questions, please call 719-438-5421 or email delisa.weeks@state.co.us.