House of Representatives guidelines

Updated: 11 September 2015

Consecutive series of numbers

A House of Representatives ballot paper is only formal if the voter has indicated a first preference and consecutively numbered all boxes. A number in the series may not be repeated or skipped.

If one box is left blank and all other boxes have been numbered in a consecutive sequence starting with the number '1', the paper is formal providing:

  • the blank box is the last in the consecutive sequence; and
  • there is no marking at all in the box.

Alterations to numbers will not make a ballot paper informal, provided the voter's intention is clear, for example a number can be crossed out and another number written beside it.

Example – consecutive numbering

Example of ballot paper which is formal because the consecutive numbers are discernable even though two have been crossed out and rewritten next to the box

This ballot paper is formal

There are eight consecutive numbers reasonably discernable.

Example of ballot paper which is formal because it is discernable that two numbers have been overwritten

This ballot paper is formal

The third box is an overwritten '3', the fourth box is an overwritten '4'.

Overwriting

If a number is overwritten in a way that makes it impossible to read, then the ballot paper is informal.

Example – overwritten ballot paper

Example of ballot paper which is informal because the overwriting in the second square is indecipherable

This ballot paper is informal

The overwriting in the second square is indecipherable.

Acceptable forms of numbering

For voting in the House of Representatives, voters may use a consecutive series in various styles – such as: numerals (1 2 3), words (one two three), roman numerals (I II III IV), or ordinal numerals (1st 2nd 3rd). In certain cases, a mixture of numbering sequences can be used, provided that the voter’s intention is clear.

Example – numbering

In certain cases a mixture of numbering sequences can be used, provided that the voter's intention is clear.

Example of ballot paper which is formal because there is mix or numerals and written number names

This ballot paper is formal

Numbers can be written as words or figures.

Ticks (tick) or crosses (cross) are not acceptable forms of voting for House of Representatives and will result in informality.

Example of ballot paper which is informal because although the numbers from 2 to 8 have been written, there is no number 1, only an X

This ballot paper is informal

An 'X' is not a valid first preference mark for House of Representatives ballot papers.

Two Candidates only

In the case of only two candidates on a ballot paper, if the voter has placed a ‘1’ in the box beside a candidate and

  • left the second box blank, or
  • inserted any other number

the ballot paper will be deemed formal (Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 s.268).

Empty boxes

For House of Representative ballot papers a single box may be left empty provided it is the last in the series and on the condition there is no marking in the box at all. A scribble or dot etc in the final box will result in informality if it is not recognisable as the next number in the series.

Two or more empty boxes on a House of Representatives ballot paper results in an informal vote.

Example – empty boxes on ballot paper

Example of ballot paper which is informal because there is a mark but not a discernable figure in the eighth square

This ballot paper is informal

No discernable figure in the eighth square.

Example of ballot paper which is informal because there are two empty boxes

This ballot paper is informal

There are two empty boxes.

Placement of votes

The vote can be made inside the box or beside the box/candidate name, provided the intention of the voter is clear.

Example – placement of votes

Example of ballot paper which is formal because there is a discernable figure near the eighth square

This ballot paper is formal

The figure in the eighth square reasonably resembles a '7'.

Example of ballot paper which is formal because although the voter has not written the number in the squares provided there is a consecutive series of numbers and the voter's intention is clear

This ballot paper is formal

There is a consecutive series of discernable numbers beginning with '1', and the voter's intention is clear.

Variations in handwriting

Unconventional but recognisable variations in handwriting, such as placing a stroke through the vertical stem of the number '7' or an upward angular stroke before the familiar vertical stroke on the number '1', should not result in a ballot paper being informal, provided any variations result in a series of numbers and the voter’s intention is clear.

Example – variations in handwriting

Example of ballot paper which is formal because there is a discernable figure in the fourth square

This ballot paper is formal

The figure in the fourth box reasonably resembles a '1'.

Example of ballot paper which is formal because there is a consecutive series of numbers and the voter's intention is clear

This ballot paper is formal

There is a consecutive series of discernable numbers beginning with '1', and the voter's intention is clear.

Candidate name substitution

If the voter crosses out or replaces a candidate’s name on a ballot paper, that ballot paper is informal.

Note that this does not include cases where a fully printed ballot paper is altered to become a ballot paper for another division by a polling official.

If a candidate name has been added to the ballot paper by the voter and been allocated any number except the last number, the vote is informal.

Example – candidate name substitution

Example of ballot paper which is formal because although the voter has added an additional candidate (Donald Duck), there is a formal consecutive numbering of the printed candidates

This ballot paper is formal

The voter has indicated consecutive preferences for all nominated candidates.

Example of ballot paper which is informal because the names of two candidates have been crossed out and replaced with Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck

This ballot paper is informal

The voter has not indicated a preference for all the candidates in the election.

Example of ballot paper which is informal because there is not a consecutive series of numbers, the numbering sequence starts with '2'

This ballot paper is informal

The voter has not indicated a valid first preference.