無効票

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 無効票 is read as むこうひょう and is a ballot excluded from the valid count because it does not meet voting requirements, such as through an incorrect marking.
• Basic usage: Use 無効票になる for a ballot becoming invalid and 無効票の数を公表する for announcing the number of invalid ballots.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Distinction between 無効票 and 白票
  • The headword covers any ballot judged invalid under the rules, while the comparison term specifically means a ballot left blank without a selected candidate or option.