SCHEDULE 3Conduct rules
Rejected ballot papers
31
1
Any ballot paper to which paragraph (2) applies is void and is not to be counted, subject to paragraph (3).
2
This paragraph applies to a ballot paper—
a
which does not bear the official mark,
b
which indicates a vote in favour of both answers to the referendum question,
c
on which anything is written or marked by which the voter can be identified (other than by the unique identifying number), or
d
which is unmarked or void for uncertainty.
3
A ballot paper on which the vote is marked—
a
elsewhere than in the proper place,
b
otherwise than by means of a cross, or
c
by more than one mark,
is not for such reason to be considered to be void by reason only of indicating a vote by means of figures or words (or any other mark) instead of a cross if, in the counting officer's opinion, the mark clearly indicates the voter's intention.
4
Paragraph (3) does not apply if—
a
the way in which the ballot paper is marked identifies the voter, or
b
it can be shown that the voter can be identified from it.
5
The counting officer must—
a
endorse the word “rejected” on any ballot paper which falls not to be counted under this rule, and
b
if any counting agent objects to the counting officer's decision, add to the endorsement the words “rejection objected to”.
6
The counting officer must prepare a statement showing the number of ballot papers rejected under each of sub-paragraphs (a) to (d) of paragraph (2).