Preferential Voting in Single Member Electorates - Commonwealth

Electoral Authority: Australian Electoral Commission
Parliament which uses Preferential Voting House of Representatives (Lower House)
Name of Preferential Voting system Full preferential
Formality/Informality points Formal
  • A ballot paper is formal if it has a number "1" marked on it and has consecutive preferences for the remaining candidates.
  • A ballot paper may still be formal if one square is left blank provided it is marked as above and the vacant square is the voter's last preference.
Informal
  • If the ballot paper is not authenticated by the initials of the presiding officer or by an official mark.
  • If the ballot paper is not marked at all.
  • If ticks or crosses have been used.
  • If the ballot paper is marked in a manner that identifies the voter.
  • If a duplication of numbers or a break of consecutive numbering occurs or two or more preferences are omitted.
Directions on the Ballot Paper (1998 Federal Election)
Number the boxes from "1" to "N" (where N equals the number of candidates) in the order of your choice.
Number every box to make your vote count.
Casual Vacancies By-elections are held to fill vacancies in the House of Representatives resulting from death, resignation, absence without leave, expulsion, disqualification or ineligibility of a Member.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives has the power to issue a writ for the election of a new Member. There is no prescribed time period for the issuing of writs following a vacancy and it is not possible to hold a by-election if a general election is pending.

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