Mistake when Voting?

SeanAnthony

This is a silly question but I put a circle around my "Number 1" preference when voting today in the election. I did it without even thinking. I thought to myself later been that maybe I made a mistake doing this and I should have asked the voting clerks just in case. I presume this should be fine and it won't be classified as a "Spoilt Vote" but can anybody verify that my vote was perfectly valid?

GetWithIt

It depends, who did you vote for?

wow sierra

Officially it could be rejected but in reality it definitely won't be. The rule of thumb is if a "clear voting preference" is visible on the Ballot paper it is ok.

Don't worry - but don't do it again;)

Sponge Bob

If there is only one circle on the paper it is a valid number one, 2 or more circles is a spoil.

RGDATA!

Sponge Bob wrote: »

If there is only one circle on the paper it is a valid number one, 2 or more circles is a spoil.

out of curiousity, what's the reasoning behind that (assuming that otherwise the choices are clearly marked 1,2,3)?

Sponge Bob

It is a single clear preference RGDATA. Many people only give a number one preference.

blorg

RGDATA! wrote: »

out of curiousity, what's the reasoning behind that (assuming that otherwise the choices are clearly marked 1,2,3)?

If the 123 are there they will go with that. One circle should be taken as a first preference. Multiple circles without 123 there is no way to discern preference so spoilt vote.

Technically any marks other than the 123 spoil the vote but if intention is clear it is likely to be counted.

spurious

I saw a vote once with a smiley face drawn opposite one name and 'No way!' written beside the other candidates. It was accepted.

You would be surprised at what is written on some ballot papers, especially the spoiled votes - some very angry people out there.:eek: