Subdiv 3Polling by secret ballot

Subdivision 3—Polling by secret ballot 21—Ballot papers A ballot paper must— (a) state the election to which it relates; and (b) set out the name of each candidate in alphabetical order; and (c) state the manner of voting. 22—Distribution of ballot papers (1) As soon as practicable before the close of a poll by secret ballot, the returning officer for an election must give to each voter— (a) a ballot paper that is initialled by the returning officer; and (b) an envelope that— (i) is addressed to the returning officer; and (ii) shows on its face that it relates to the election. (2) The envelope given to a voter by a returning officer— (a) may be pre‑paid as to postage; and (b) in that case—may include on its face a statement by the returning officer that the envelope may be posted to the returning officer without expense to the voter. (3) The returning officer must ensure that the ballot paper and envelope are enclosed in a covering envelope that is sealed and addressed to the voter. 23—Manner of voting by secret ballot (1) A voter in a poll by secret ballot must mark the ballot paper to indicate their preference by placing the number 1 in the box printed opposite the name of the candidate for whom that person wishes to vote. (2) After marking the ballot paper, the voter must— (a) fold the ballot paper so as to conceal the marking; and (b) put the ballot paper in the envelope referred to in regulation 22(1)(b) and seal the envelope; and (c) lodge the ballot by— (i) putting the envelope containing the ballot paper in a locked and sealed ballot box, provided for the election by the returning officer, in a secure part of the workplace where the members of the workforce in the designated work group to which the election relates may place envelopes of that kind; or (ii) sending the envelope to the returning officer so as to reach them not later than the close of the poll. (3) If, before lodging their ballot, a voter— (a) claims that they have spoilt their ballot paper; and (b) returns the ballot paper to the returning officer; and (c) requests a further ballot paper, the returning officer must— (d) give the voter a fresh ballot paper; and (e) write the word "spoilt" across the returned ballot paper and sign and date the writing; and (f) retain the spoilt ballot paper until the end of 6 months after notification of the result of the poll is given under regulation 34.