96Scrutiny of ballot (s 102(1))

#### 96 Scrutiny of ballot (s 102(1)) (1) The electoral official conducting a ballot must determine the result of the ballot by conducting a scrutiny in accordance with this regulation. (2) As soon as practicable after the close of a ballot, the electoral official must: (a) admit the valid votes and reject the informal votes; and (b) count the valid votes and record the number: (i) in favour of the question set out on the ballot paper; and (ii) not in favour of the question set out on the ballot paper; and (c) count the informal votes. (3) A vote is informal only if: (a) the ballot paper does not bear: (i) the initials of an electoral official; or (ii) a facsimile of those initials; or (b) the ballot paper is marked in a way that permits the voter to be identified; or (c) the ballot paper is not marked in a way that makes it clear how the voter meant to vote; or (d) the ballot paper does not comply with a direction given under paragraph 91(2)(a) or (b). (4) However, a vote is not informal because of paragraph (3)(a) if the electoral official is satisfied the ballot paper in question is authentic. (5) If the electoral official conducting the ballot is informed by a scrutineer that the scrutineer objects to a ballot paper being admitted as formal or rejected as informal the electoral official must: (a) decide whether the ballot is to be admitted as formal or rejected as informal; and (b) endorse the decision on the ballot paper; and (c) initial the endorsement. (6) If the electoral official conducting the ballot is informed by a scrutineer that, in the scrutineer’s opinion, an error has been made in the conduct of the scrutiny, the electoral official must decide whether an error has been made and, if appropriate, direct what action is to be taken to correct or mitigate the error.