IGNORANCE PLEA ON DUAL VOTING CHARGE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 71, Issue 291, 8 December 1928, Page 7

IGNORANCE PLEA ON DUAL VOTING CHARGE

COULD NOT READ OR WRITE (Per Pre.js Association.) PALMERSTON N., Doc. 7. ‘ ‘ This shows very claa’rly the disadvantage under which anyone labours who cannot read or wnte. These proceedings ara the direct outcome of that,’’ sr.id tho presiding Just.ce when Edw«i Curtis was changed with dual voting in Palmerston North at the general election. From the evidence it appeared that accused voted at one booth but spoilt the paper. Thinking that his vote was not valid he again voted at, another booth. The returning officer said he was satisfied there was no deliberate intention of casting a t’wuble vote. Accused had told him that he could neither read nor write. The Bench, holding that, there was no intention to commit an offence, accused was discharged. Twice at the Same Booth A middle-aged woman who voted twice at another booth had her name suppressed. Her excuse was that she had voted and on preparing to leave was asked by an official at another table for her name. Being nervous she became flurried and took another set of v ting papers and recorded a second vote. Accused pleaded guilty, saying she had no intention of casting two votes. She was committed to the Supreme Court for sentence.