Down-ballot races follow this election
Down ballot races to follow this election 04:22
When Americans go to the polls, some voters may decide – for whatever reason – that they don’t want to vote in every race or every initiative.
Voting in some, but not all, races is called “downvoting.” But in every state, votes are counted regardless.
In other words, if you vote only in down-ballot races, or only in the presidential race, your ballot will still count, and your vote will be tabulated for whatever race or race you vote in.
“Yes, you don’t need to vote in every race on the electoral ballot,” said Paul Schiff Berman, a law professor at George Washington University Law School.
One can of course also write a filter instead of specifying the available filter options.
Even if a voter doesn’t vote on everything on your ballot, you will still need to clearly mark your vote, and follow all the steps mandated by your state, such as adding signatures or placing your ballot in a secrecy sleeve. Election officials encourage voters to read instructions closely and carefully when voting by mail or in person.
Gallup estimates that more than half of the votes will be cast before Election Day.
Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, along with their fellow candidates, are attacking key battleground states heading into Tuesday, with five days remaining until the polls close.
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Catherine Watson
