1VAC20-100-40. Ballot treatment.
As prescribed by § 24.2-673.1 of the Code of Virginia, ballots shall be tabulated in the following manner:
1. Ranked choice overvote.
a. In the case of a ranked choice overvote for a ranking on a ballot, the ranking shall not be counted in any round, and the next valid ranking shall be counted in all rounds except the first-choice ranking tabulation.
b. In the case of a duplicate ranking for an active candidate, only the voter's highest ranking for the candidate shall be counted. Valid rankings after a duplicate ranking shall be counted.
2. Skipped ranking.
a. In the event of a ballot with a skipped ranking, the next valid ranking shall be counted, except in the first-choice ranking tabulation round.
b. In the event the ballot reaches two consecutive skipped rankings, the ballot will be considered an inactive ballot.
3. Tie breaking.
a. In the event two persons have an equal number of votes for a seat and a higher number than any other person in the last round of an election conducted by ranked choice voting, the candidate or person to be elected shall be determined by lot as prescribed by § 24.2-674 of the Code of Virginia.
b. In the event two or more persons have an equal number of votes for a seat and the fewest number of votes in a round of an election conducted by ranked choice voting, tabulation cannot be continued until one of the persons is defeated. The person to continue as an active candidate shall be determined by lot as prescribed by § 24.2-674 of the Code of Virginia.
Statutory Authority
§ 24.2-673.1 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 38, Issue 9, eff. December 3, 2021; amended Virginia Register Volume 39, Issue 23, eff. June 20, 2023.