Spoilt and rejected votes

A REJECTED vote is a ballot that cannot be counted for any candidate: it is blank, marked for more than one candidate, or marked so unclearly that the intention is not obvious. Rejected ballots are recorded but count for nobody.

A SPOILT ballot is one you spoil by mistake BEFORE casting it. Take it back to the presiding officer: you are entitled to have it cancelled and to receive a fresh ballot paper.

To make your vote count: use the pen provided, make one clear mark (a tick or an X) inside one candidate's box, don't write anything else on the paper, and don't sign it.

If you are unsure, ask the polling officials to explain the marking rules before you enter the booth. They may explain the process, but never who to vote for.