Guidance for Candidates and Agents at Senedd elections

A ballot paper will not be counted if it:1

• is unmarked
• does not contain the official mark
• contains more than one vote
• contains any mark or writing that can identify the voter
• does not indicate the voter’s intention with certainty

A statement will be drawn up showing the number of ballot papers rejected for these reasons.2

The word rejected and/or gwrthodwyd will be marked on any ballot paper that is rejected.3 The words rejection objected to and/or gwrthwynebwyd y gwrthodiad must be added if a counting agent objects to the 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

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 doubtful ballot paper placemats that staff adjudicating ballot papers may refer to at the count.

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

Please note that while we provide guidance, the Returning Officer or their deputies have the ultimate responsibility for making a decision on individual ballot papers. The decision to reject a particular ballot paper during the count or recount is final and can be reviewed only at an election petition after the declaration of the result.4 For more information see our guidance on election petitions.