Electoral Administration Act 2006

Identifying marks and security markings on ballot papers etc.

451. Paragraph 87 amends rule 19 concerning ballot papers at parliamentary elections. It provides that ballot papers at these elections must have printed on the back both a number and other identifying mark, such as a barcode. The use of additional marks such as barcodes on ballot papers will assist in the recording of returned postal votes necessary for the compilation of the marked list of postal votes created under section 45, and will also enhance security by enabling returned postal votes to be identified and cancelled where fraud is suspected and/ or replacement papers are being issued to a voter.

452. Paragraph 88 amends rule 20. This rule governs the use of the official mark at parliamentary elections, which currently takes the form of a perforation of the ballot paper. The new paragraphs replace the perforated official mark with another form of security mark, which may take the form of under-printing, special inks or watermarked paper. These changes will provide the necessary security without the risk of inadvertent disenfranchisement caused if ballot papers are mistakenly not stamped once issued

453. Paragraph 93 amends the Appendix of forms in the parliamentary election rules in consequence of a number of provisions in the Bill. The Directions as to printing the ballot paper are amended to direct that the identifying mark be printed on back of the ballot paper together with the ballot paper number. The directions for the guidance of the voters in voting are also amended. Reference to the official mark being stamped on the ballot paper is removed. After the voter has marked a cross (X) on the ballot paper they must fold the paper in two and show the back of the ballot paper to the presiding officer so as to disclose the number and other identifying mark. The voter is then directed to put the ballot paper in the ballot box.