Guidance for Candidates and Agents at Combined Authority Mayoral elections

What if the vote on a ballot paper is not clear?

A ballot paper will not be counted if it:

  • is unmarked
  • does not contain the official mark
  • contains more than one vote
  • the voter has not indicated their choice with certainty
  • contains any mark or writing that may identify the voter

The local RO must draw up a statement showing the number of ballot papers rejected in their local authority area for these reasons.

The local RO must mark the word “rejected” on any ballot paper that is rejected. They must add the words “rejection objected to” if a counting agent objects to the local RO’s decision. 

If the voter’s intention is clear on a ballot paper and the voter cannot be identified by any mark or writing, it will not be void if a vote is marked:

  • elsewhere than in the proper place
  • by other means than a cross (e.g. a tick)
  • by more than one mark

Doubtful ballot papers

To assist local ROs, we have produced guidance on how to adjudicate votes on ballot papers that may appear doubtful. This guidance is contained in our booklet Dealing with doubtful ballot papers. We have also produced ballot paper placemats of allowed and rejected votes for quick reference.

 

The examples given in these documents are based on the election rules.

Please note that while these documents provide guidance for local ROs, each individual local RO has the ultimate responsibility for making a decision on individual ballot papers. Additionally the CARO may also have provided guidance to the local ROs in the combined authority area in order to ensure consistency of approach across the combined authority area.

The local RO’s decision to reject a particular ballot paper during the count or recount is final and can only be reviewed at an election petition after the declaration of the result. For more details see our guidance on election petitions.

Last updated: 2 October 2024