Lexicon of Politics

Overvote n. to cast a ballot for more than one candidate for an office when only one choice is permitted.

1988 Omaha World-Harold (Oct. 28) 11:

Rather's report featured an interview with a person who indicated that punch cards used by voters could be altered before being given to voters to produce an "overvote" that would not be counted in a race.

1992 Los Angeles Times (June 11) B1:

Writing in Perot's name and punching out a presidential candidate on the ballot - called an overvote - will disqualified the vote for the qualified presidential candidate.