Terms Glossary

Definition and meaning of Zero Tape: A Zero Tape is a report that shows the number of votes counted for a particular race or precinct as zero. It's filed after the polls have closed and the vote counting has begun, and it's a way for election officials to officially notify the election commission that no votes have been cast for a particular race or precinct.

The Zero Tape is an important aspect of the electoral process, it helps to ensure the transparency and accuracy of the vote counting process, and it prevents any confusion or errors in the reporting of the final results. It also helps the election commission to have a clear picture of the voter's turnout and the voter's preference.

For example, during the 2020 U.S. Presidential Elections some precincts filed Zero Tapes indicating that no votes have been cast in that precinct.

This report is also important in preventing any fraud or malicious activity. It helps the authorities to investigate any suspicious activity that might have happened in certain precincts.