56Content and distribution of ballot papers

56 Content and distribution of ballot papers

56 Content and distribution of ballot papers

(1) As soon as practicable after the close of enrolments for an election, the returning officer must—

(a) determine, by random selection, the order in which the candidates’ names will appear on the ballot paper, and

(b) send to each person included in the final roll—

(i) a ballot paper and inner envelope for each vote to which the person is entitled, and

(ii) an outer envelope, and

(iii) a candidate information sheet, if applicable.

(2) The ballot paper must include the following—

(a) the names of the candidates with a square opposite each name,

(b) the number of candidates to be elected,

(c) the date by which the ballot paper must be returned,

(d) either of the following—

(i) the initials of the returning officer, or a person authorised by the returning officer to prepare the ballot paper,

(ii) an official mark.

(3) If the returning officer considers that the names of 2 or more of the candidates are so similar that they are likely to be confused, the returning officer may include in the ballot paper information that the returning officer considers appropriate to distinguish the candidates.

(4) The ballot paper must include a direction that—

(a) the voter must vote by recording consecutive numbers, from “1” up to at least the number of candidates to be elected, in the squares opposite the candidates’ names in the order of the voter’s preference, and

(b) the voter may vote for additional candidates by recording consecutive numbers, starting from the number after the number of candidates to be elected, in the squares opposite the candidates’ names in the order of the voter’s preference.

(5) The ballot paper may include other directions for recording a vote or returning the ballot paper to the returning officer that the returning officer considers appropriate.