Div 10Recount of Ballot-papers.

Division 10.—Recount of Ballot-papers.

Recount.

Secs. 137 and 138.

77. (1) Before proceeding to recount any ballot-papers, the Divisional Returning Officer shall send to each candidate notice of the time and place fixed for the recount.

(2) The Divisional Returning Officer shall, at the time and place fixed for the recount, in the presence of the scrutineer or scrutineers in attendance, and of an officer of the Commonwealth Public Service, open every sealed parcel of ballot-papers to be recounted, and shall count the votes therein.

(3) Each parcel of ballot-papers to be recounted shall be opened separately without destroying or rendering illegible any endorsements on the parcel, and every care shall be taken to prevent the ballot-papers in the parcel from being mixed with the ballot-papers in any other parcel.

(4) After a parcel has been opened and the votes therein counted, the ballot-papers shall be replaced in their original cover, which shall be resealed, refastened, and then placed in a new cover, which shall be sealed and fastened, and an endorsement shall be made thereon of the fact and date of the recount, and shall be signed by the Divisional Returning Officer and such persons authorized to be present at the recount as choose to add their signatures.

(5) When any ballot-papers are, at a recount, reserved for the decision of the Commonwealth Electoral Officer for the State, the Divisional Returning Officer shall, in the presence of the scrutineer or scrutineers in attendance, place the ballot-papers in a properly fastened and sealed parcel bearing his signature and the signature or signatures of the scrutineer or scrutineers, together with an endorsement setting forth the number of ballot-papers contained therein, the name of the Division, and the date; and shall place the parcel in a fastened and sealed outer cover fully addressed to the Commonwealth Electoral Officer for the State, and forthwith transmit the parcel to him by registered post.

(6) On receipt of the parcel, the Commonwealth Electoral Officer shall, in the presence of an officer of the Commonwealth Public Service, and, if any candidate so desires, in the presence of a person appointed by such candidate, open the parcel and scrutinize the ballot-papers and shall mark each ballot-paper “Admitted,” or “Rejected,” according to his decision to admit or reject such ballot-paper.

[Electoral and Referendum Regulations, 78—80]

(7) When the Commonwealth Electoral Officer has given his decision on the ballot papers, he shall restore them to their original cover, refasten and reseal the cover, and endorse thereon—

(a) the number of ballot-papers contained therein;

(b) a statement that such ballot-papers have been the subject of decision by him;