I put a tick instead of an x will my vote still count?

[Elendon]

Header says it all really. I've always done x but put a tick instead, because I want this candidate to win.

I've messed it up haven't I?

Nah, it's fine.

They're read by human eyes, not computers.

It will still be counted.

It's fine, your intention is clear.

I suspect it will be fine. After the last election, I heard of someone who decided to express their disgust at a particular candidate by drawing a cock and balls in the box by the candidate's name. Because the mark was entirely within the box, and no other marks were made on the paper, it didn't count as a spoiled ballot, but was actually counted as a vote for the candidate the voter detested.

It will still be counted don't worry about it. As long as it's clearly in the box the candidate's agents will discuss and agree it was clear what you meant by a tick. The worst that will happen is it will be a spoiled vote but that is unlikely.

I've googled and come up with this to make me feel better. But will my vote count?

www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/rcbcweb.nsf/web+full+list/9cc6d6b75b87f02a802577ab003c58f6

That wasn't for Ed Balls, was it, SDTG?

Yes, I just googled . BBC says as long as your intention is clear then it's counted

So drawing a comedy cock-and-balls might confuse them

I've counted in loads of elections, as long as there is a clear intention to vote for the candidate (tick, cross etc) in the appropriate box, you are fine.

X pst with SDTG

Great minds! I am surprised though. I suppose the meaning of a cartoon penis is in the eye of the beholder

Thanks for your replies. I've been on invigilating duties and x to me means absent (yes, some students do not turn up for exams). A tick is a positive sign at the moment.

What was I thinking? This vote means so much!

As long as you have clearly ticked one box only, and not marked the paper anywhere else, then it will be counted

I did not mark anywhere else. I was in ticking mode.

Yep it will count.

I know someone who works in the electoral office, and she said quite a few people do this!

It's also OK to use your own pen!

www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2017-40188494

It's fine, seems like a lot of people do that

STDG 😂😂😂

does anyone secretly get the fear after they've put their ballot in that perhaps the line was too faint, or the vote will get lost or does that clearly show a cross?

Ever since the hanging chad thing!

I always get the fear that I've accidentally put conservative. It's me OCD kicking in.

Having spent far too many years at various counts, your vote will be absolutely fine. As long as it's clear and unsigned then it will be counted.

You have to make a mark in one box. It suggests an x but as long as there's a clear mark in one box only it counts as a vote for that person. People have done smiley faces and all sorts. The important thing is ONE box only.

As long as it's clear and unsigned then it will be counted. What does unsigned mean? Dawn

Yup it absolutely counts.

Just that you haven't signed your name.

What does unsigned mean?

You haven't put your signature, or any identifying information on the ballot paper. If you do, then your vote will not be counted.

It was one box only I'm fine.

He's a great prospective candidate and even though he probably won't win, I would like him to see how many people believed in him.