Appendix 3: Formal and informal ballot papers
This appendix presents examples of formal and informal ballot papers from hypothetical House of Representatives and Senate elections.
House of Representatives
Below are 10 examples of formal and informal ballot papers from a House of Representatives election.
Senate
Below are nine examples of formal and informal ballot papers from a Senate election.
House of Representatives ballot paper examples
Example 1
1. Formal because numbers can be written as words rather than figures |
Example 2
2. Informal because X is not a valid first preference mark
i.e. no number |
Example 3
3. Informal because |
is not a valid first preference mark and no numbers have been used
Example 4
4. Formal because there is one first preference and consecutive numbers in all squares |
Example 5
5. Formal because squares are numbered consecutively beginning with one; the handwritten addition is irrelevant and, in this case, does not obscure a preference or identify a voter. |
Example 6
6. Informal because a number is repeated |
Example 7
7. Informal because it has been left completely blank |
Example 8
8. Informal because there is no first preference mark against a nominated candidate |
Example 9
9. Informal if, in the opinion of the DRO, there is sufficient writing on the ballot paper to uniquely identify the elector, otherwise formal. |
Example 10
10. Formal because a number can be written outside the square, as long as it is clear to which square the number relates. |
Senate ballot paper examples
Example 1
1. Above-the-line is formal because there is only one preference mark.
Below-the-line is informal because only one square has been numbered.
Count above-the-line on this paper.
Example 2
2. Above-the-line is formal because there is only one preference mark.
Below-the-line is informal because no squares have been numbered.
Count above-the-line on this paper.
Example 3
3. Above-the-line is informal because no preference mark has been expressed.
Below-the-line is formal because the voter has numbered all squares, with one acceptable error.
Count below-the-line on this paper.
Example 4
4. Above-the-line is informal because there is more than one preference mark.
Below-the-line is informal because there is more than one first preference mark.
Neither section of this paper can be counted.
Example 5
5. Above-the-line is formal because the voter has expressed a first preference; the other numbers are irrelevant.
Below-the-line is informal because there is no first preference mark.
Count above-the-line on this paper.
Example 6
6. Above-the-line is informal because there is no preference mark.
Below-the-line is formal because the voter has completed at least 90 per cent of the paper.
Count below-the-line on this paper.
Example 7
7. Above-the-line is informal because there is no valid preference mark against a nominated group.
Below-the-line is informal because no squares have been numbered.
Neither section of this paper can be counted.
Example 8
8. Above-the-line is formal because there is only one preference mark.
Below-the-line is formal, because the voter has numbered all squares starting with the number 1.
Count below-the-line on this paper. Note that correct preferential numbering below-the-line prevails over a correct above-the-line vote. Also note that incorrect (but formal) preferential numbering also prevails over a correct ticket vote.
Example 9
9. Above-the-line is formal because a cross is a valid preference mark in Senate ballot papers above-the-line only.
Below-the-line is informal because less than 90 per cent of the squares have been numbered.
Count above-the-line on this paper.*
*90 per cent of 21 candidates is 18.9. Therefore, a paper on which a voter has numbered only 18 squares will be informal, while one on which 19 or more squares are numbered satisfies this criterion of formality and may be further examined.
However, all such papers would be transferred to the Central Senate Scrutiny Centre for detailed formality checking.
