Final answer:
The principle of idem sonans in Election Law allows minor spelling discrepancies in names on ballots, as long as the names sound similar and are still recognizable, to preserve the intent of the voter and ensure every vote is counted equally.
Step-by-step explanation:
The principle of idem sonans as applied in Election Law refers to the idea that minor discrepancies in the spelling of names on a ballot, as long as they have the same sound (sonans) and are sufficiently similar to the correct name, do not invalidate a voter's choice. In the context of election integrity, this principle ensures that votes are not discarded based on insignificant errors, thus upholding the voter's intent and democratic choice. The application of this principle emphasizes the importance of weight and equality in each individual vote, as established by the U.S. Supreme Court decisions which recognize a federal right to vote in congressional elections and advocate for roughly equal populations in each district to preserve the one-person-one-vote doctrine.