| |
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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