electoraloffice.gov.dm How to Mark the Ballot Paper : Electoral Office Dominica

Organisation : Electoral Office
Facility : How to Mark the Ballot Paper
Country : Dominica

How to Mark the Ballot Paper : http://electoraloffice.gov.dm/voting-2/guidelines-for-polling-day-2
Home Page : http://electoraloffice.gov.dm/

How to Mark the Ballot Paper :
The ballot is absolutely secret and it should not be possible for anyone to determine who an elector voted for.
** The Elector uses only the lead pencil provided in the Polling Booth/Room to mark the ballot paper.

** The Elector makes a CROSS within the space provided containing the name of the Candidate for whom he/she intends to vote.

** The Elector folds the ballot paper as directed by the Presiding Officer, so that the initials and number are clearly seen.

** The Elector hands the ballot paper over to the Presiding Officer, on returning from the Polling Booth/Room.

** The Presiding Officer examines the initials and numbers on the Counterfoil to ascertain that it is the same ballot paper that was delivered to the Elector.

** If it is the same, the Presiding Officer removes the Counterfoil and deposits the Ballot paper in the Ballot Box, in full view of the voter and all others present.

** Every elector must vote without undue delay and leave the polling station as soon as the Ballot paper is deposited in the Ballot box.

Examples of Correctly and Incorrectly Marked Ballot Papers ;
Correctly Marked Ballot :
The cross (x) is placed next to the candidate and there are no identifying marks on the ballot, the only notation on the ballot is a single cross (x) and the cross (x) does not extend over the space for more than one candidate.

*Click on the image to enlarge.

Incorrectly Marked Ballots :
** A cross (x) is not placed on the ballot
** The Elector placed an identifying mark on the ballot (note the name Paul next to the cross (x)).
** The Elector voted for more than one candidate
** The Elector placed notation on the ballot other than the cross (x) (note the smiley face towards to top left of the ballot).
** The Elector placed notation on the ballot other than the cross (x) (note the words “Love you!” next to BISHOP, Conrad).
** The Elector placed a cross (x) on the ballot that extends over the space for more than one candidate making it difficult to know who the Elector voted fo

Rights and Responsibilities :
** The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica (section 32(2)) grants qualified citizens the right to be registered as a voter and the right to vote. Voting is a major vehicle by which citizens participate in, and have influence over governmental decisions which affect their daily lives. You can only participate as an elector, therefore ensure that you register and exercise your right to vote.
** Electors are only entitled to vote in the polling district in which their name appears on the official list of electors for that district.
** Electors can only vote for one candidate.
** Every employer must allow each employee who is registered to vote to be absent from work on polling day for two hours, in addition to the normal mid-day lunch hour.
** Electors cannot be compelled to reveal for whom they voted at any legal proceeding to question the election results.

A person who is registered remains registered unless his name is deleted from the register because :
** he has died;
** an objection to his registration has been allowed;
** he has been absent from Dominica for a period exceeding five years; or
** he has become disqualified for registration as an elector.

Guidelines for Polling Day :
During the hours when the poll is open :
** Every employee is entitled to two hours for voting, in addition to the mid-day lunch hour, without deduction in pay or other penalty.

** Do not sell, offer to sell or give away intoxicating liquor at any premises licensed to sell liquor.

** Do not congregate within 100 yards of the polling station (unless you are waiting to vote or can lawfully be at the station).

** Do not try to influence any elector to vote for any candidate or determine for which candidate any elector intends to vote or has voted for on any public road or in any public place within 100 yards of the polling station.

** There should be absolutely no political paraphernalia (flags, posters, etc.) / party symbols indicating how to mark the Ballot.

** Do not use or wear, or give to any person to use or wear, any flag, ribbon, label, or other favour, within any constituency as a party badge to distinguish the wearer as a supporter of any candidate. (This excludes supplying banners with only the name of a candidate or the words “Vote for” followed by the name of the Candidate, or any favour with the symbol of the candidate or using these on vehicles.)

** Do not carry, wear or use, or give to any person to carry, wear or use, any loudspeaker, bunting, ensign, standard, or set of colours, or any other flag on motor cars, trucks or other vehicles, as political propaganda