How to Mark Voting Papers

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 112, 13 May 1941, Page 4

How to Mark Voting Papers

MINISTER EXPLAINS PROCEDURE WELLINGTON, May 12. In view of the early approach of the local body elections Hon. W. E. Parry has issued a statement on various matters affecting the electors arising from the passing of the Local Elections and Polls Amendment Act, 1941. The Minister reminded voters of the altered polling day from the usual Wednesday to a Saturday so that this year the polling day will be on Saturday, Alay 17. The most important feature of the recent legislation from the voters’ point of view was the changeover in the marking of the ballot papers by the voter. Previously electors indicated their selection of candidates by striking out the names of those candidates for whom they did not wish to vote. Under the new system, however, voters were required to indicate their selection of candidates by marking a cross opposite the name of each candidate for whom they do wish to vote. Electors should be careful not to mark more crosses than the number of vacancies to bs filled as indicated on the ballot paper. If this should happen the voting paper would be liable to be regarded as informal. The same system of marking by * cross will apply to voting on loaf rating or other similar proposals. At previous elections some polls Lara closed at 6 p.m. and others at 7 p.m. The closing hour of all polls has now been made uniform and at the forthcoming elections the poll will close at 6 p.m. in all districts.