Vote in pencil
Posted by: elljay
24th Mar 2016 12:46am
If choosing a new Prime Minister, Mayor or local government rep is so important then why do we vote in pencil?
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Comments 6
PGS
In NSW it is done in pen. The rules were changed a few years back to prevent the opportunity of corruption.
PGS
It is easier for the scanners to pick up dark colours. People are less likely to pocket the pencil, but would take the pens if possible.
In NSW (if not other states) voting can no longer be done in pencil - only pens are supplied.
Bazz
We vote in pencil because they are SUPPLIED. There is nothing wrong with voting in the Black Biro you bring along & that way They can't rub it out & change it if they want. If you don't like any of the candidates or are unrepresented by your chosen party, etc, then you may cross the form with two diagonal parallel lines & write between them "NONE OF THESE CANDIDATES SUIT MY REQUIREMENTS". Your vote won't be added up of course, but should just 40% of constituents do this, the GG will sack all candidates & call another election... as per The Constitution.
Nicole
Sorry where in the constitution does it say that if 40% of the electorate have an informal vote that the election is invalid. As long as the candidate gets 50 % plus 1 they are voted in, with compulsory preferential voting that can be achieved. The pencil is used because its cheap and saves the tax payer money when funding an election. I have worked many elections and there is no time to rub out and change votes and scrutineers from every candidate watch every move the electoral commission staff make. We have a great electoral system that works, why fix whats not broken.
marmar
Pencil was used long before the invention of the biro and was much easier to use tha a quill so tradition continues.
elljay
Pencil easier to rub out than the quill or biro.