This can help you when you vote

What to tell the polling official. Tell the official at the voting table your full name (family name and first names) and address.

The official will check the electoral roll to see if your name is on it and that you can vote. If you need to you can print these details on a piece of paper and give it to the official at the table.

Ballot Papers

The official will then give you two (2) ballot papers. A small ballot paper for the Legislative Assembly (to vote for the representative of your district) and a large ballot paper for the Legislative Council (to vote for the election of 21 members of the Council).

Take the ballot papers to a voting booth in the polling place where you can mark your votes in privacy.

Voting for the Legislative Assembly (Small Ballot Paper)

Mark the ballot paper by placing the number “1” in the square opposite the name of the candidate for whom you wish to give your first preference vote. You may if you wish to vote for additional candidates by placing consecutive numbers beginning with the number “2” in the square opposite the names of these additional candidates in the order of your preference for them.

Voting for the Legislative Council (Large Ballot Paper)

When voting for the Legislative Council you may vote either above or below the thick black line on the ballot-paper.

Voting above the thick black line

You may vote above the thick black line by placing the number “1” in the square over the group of candidates for whom you wish to vote. If you wish you may vote for additional groups of candidates by placing consecutive numbers beginning with “2” in the squares over the additional groups of candidates in the order of your preferences for them.

Voting below the thick black line

You may vote below the thick black line by placing the numbers “1”, “2”, “3”, “4”, “5”, “6”, “7”, “8”, 9”, “10”, “11”, “12”, “13”, “14”, and “15” in the squares opposite the names of 15 candidates in order of your preferences for them. You may if you wish vote for additional candidates by placing consecutive numbers beginning with “16” in the squares opposite the names of those additional candidates in the order of your preferences for them.

The Ballot Box

When you finish marking the ballot papers fold them so the votes cannot be seen and place the ballot papers in the appropriate ballot boxes as you leave the polling place.

Important

Fold the ballot papers so that your vote cannot be seen, show the folded ballot papers to the polling official and place in the appropriate ballot box.

Absent Voting

If you are away from the electoral district on polling day you can still vote. All you have to do is go to the table marked “ABSENT” and tell the official where you live. The official will then get particulars of your name and address and put them on an envelope which you are required to sign. You will then be given ballot papers. These should be completed in the voting booth, folded and returned to the polling official who will put them in the envelope, seal it and put it in the ballot box.

Your Name is not on the Roll

If your name is not on the roll or has been marked off the roll as having voted due to an error by the polling official you are still entitled to vote and you can apply for a Section Vote. You will be handed an envelope, which has a declaration, which the official will complete for you and ask you to sign. The official will then witness your signature, retain the envelope and issue you with ballot papers. After completion bring the ballot papers back to the official. The official will insert the folded ballot papers into the envelope, seal it and place it in a ballot box.

Secret Vote

No one is entitled to know how you voted. Some electors are concerned that placing their ballot papers in an envelope which they sign will enable any person to identify their vote.

Only the Returning Officer or an appointed official and in the presence of Scrutineers will open these envelopes. Special directions are given on the handling of these ballot papers involving their removal from the envelope and immediate placement in a ballot box.

Special Help

People who cannot write or read the instructions, or who have a disability can arrange for a friend or relative to help them vote. They can also ask a polling official for help.

Spoilt Ballot Papers

If, by mistake or accident your ballot paper is spoilt, do not tear or throw it away, return it to the polling official for replacement.