Referendum Procedures Act 2004
17Informal ballot papers
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17 Informal ballot papers
(1) A ballot paper is informal in respect of a proposal submitted to the electors at a referendum if –
(a) the ballot paper is not authenticated by –
(i) the initials of an election official; or
(ii) an approved mark; or
(b) there is on the ballot paper a mark or writing which identifies the elector who marked that ballot paper; or
(c) the word "Yes" or the word "No" is not written in the space provided on the ballot paper in respect of the proposal.
(2) A ballot paper which is informal in respect of a proposal submitted to the electors at a referendum may not be admitted at a scrutiny in relation to that proposal but may be admitted in relation to another proposal if the ballot paper is not informal in respect of that other proposal.
(3) A ballot paper is not to be treated as informal or rejected at the counting of votes if, in the opinion of the returning officer, the elector's intention is clearly indicated on the ballot paper.