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Original poster

I asked my dad about spoilt ballots...

31 replies

Llamallamadingdong · 29/11/2019 08:34

He is a (now retired) returning officer and he told me this:

  1. All spoilt papers are separated and declared “doubtful ballots”

  2. Prior to the final count result being announced, ALL candidates must review ALL doubtful ballots. The reasons are two-fold ensuring every paper is accounted for. It also provides candidates the chance to look at the nature of the spoilt papers and the messages written on them as they desperately try to claw back some votes.

It causes a LOT of issues marginal seats where recounts may be demanded. Those candidates want EVERY ballot paper scrutinised closely again.

So although one individual spoilt ballot is not reported on, if large numbers of the electorate spoil their papers, it will be national news (as was the case in France a few years ago).

OP posts:
RNBrie · 29/11/2019 09:37

@Cuttysnark - it will depend on the individual who is doing your count. So when they see your vote - they might decide your voting intention is clear and just add it to the pile. They might decide your voting intention is not clear and add it to the doubtful pile for review.

The count is watched by candidates and representatives of the candidate who will be monitoring for any mistakes. If they see your vote, they might call it out and ask for it to be added to the doubtful pile.

I have been to a couple of counts - I think it's 50/50 as to whether or not your scenario would be examined closely enough for anyone to read what you write. If you really want it read, I wouldn't put the tick in the box, write in big clear writing "This vote is for xxxx and....." It might not get counted though - will depend on how well either side argue that your voting intention is clear.

Cuntysnark · 29/11/2019 09:35

Thanks both. I might have to put my rant on a sticker as I’ll be in my booth a while. Will avoid all other boxes. If I did do this of course!

Original poster
Llamallamadingdong · 29/11/2019 09:23

Cuttysnark I will give him that particular example today and tell you exactly what he says. My own thought is that it will go down as spoiled as it’s got additional writing on it.

I was thinking that if those who don’t normally vote at all turned out and spoiled their papers, it would send a powerful message. A record turn out of voters and a record number of spoilt papers would be a very strong message.

OP posts:
PublicCervix · 29/11/2019 09:20

Cuntysnark If your ballot paper is clearly marked so that your voting intention is obvious it shouldn't render the vote void, but it might be examined to make sure. This is what the Electoral Commission says...
'Establishing voter intention is crucial when determining doubtful ballot papers.'
Would probably be best to make sure that any writing didn't encroach on the boxes for any alternative candidates as voting for more than one will automatically void the vote.

Cuntysnark · 29/11/2019 09:04

I’m thinking out loud so if it’s a stupid question forgive me! If I put my X very clearly in one box but then write a diatribe beneath reiterating my vote is for the specific candidate with my original X would it still be counted? Particularly after scrutiny where I have clearly voted for, and named, one candidate? I’ll be (hypothetically) doing this and my rant will include that the candidate I’m voting for was the only one who engaged with me. But you know, even if it isn’t counted I’m still inclined to do this.

theflushedzebra · 29/11/2019 08:57

Interesting - thank you.