The tests of whether a ballot is formal under Australian law is primarily to make sure the intent of the voter is clear. If the scrutineer is comfortable that, for example, the numbers are legible and in boxes on the ballot paper, then it doesn’t matter what else is on it.

As far as I know there are no rules saying you can’t cum on your ballot paper as long as you also numbering the boxes correctly to indicate your preference.

I used to be an election scrutineer. The formality rules are here

[–] ReveredOxygen@sh.itjust.works 7 points 10 months ago (1 children)

Idk in Australia, but in the US (or at least my state) you don't get complete privacy while voting, just a cardboard thing to block view of your ballot. If you tried to cum on your ballot here you'd definitely get arrested for indecency

[–] Pregnenolone@lemmy.world 8 points 10 months ago

Postal voting would work.

[–] princessnorah@lemmy.blahaj.zone 1 points 10 months ago (1 children)

Yes, it is. You’re right about the intention of the voter, but you’re still wrong. The rules around other marks on the ballot are to prevent election interference. If someone wanted to pay for votes, getting people to mark their ballot is one way they could verify it.

It is also obviously up to the individual scrutineers as well. A grey lead smudge is probably fine. Writing your name on the ballot will get it chucked out though. I’ve also worked as a scrutineer for what it’s worth.

[–] Pregnenolone@lemmy.world 3 points 10 months ago (1 children)

Show me where those rules are please. I will believe you if I see them.

[–] princessnorah@lemmy.blahaj.zone 5 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago) (1 children)

Ballots with scribbles, slogans or other protest vote marks

https://www.aec.gov.au/about_aec/research/files/informal-voting-2016.pdf#page9

Secret ballot isn’t just a right, it’s an obligation. You can’t do anything to de-anonymise your ballot. We just happen to live in a country where making sure every voter gets to exercise the franchise comes above all else, unlike the US. I definitely exaggerated a bit for the joke, but to say that getting cum on your ballot wouldn’t ever get your vote declared informal also isn’t true. Ultimately, it comes down to the Divisional Returning Officer’s discretion.

Now can we please put this to rest, I think it’s a bit much for a cum joke, don’t you?

[–] Kusimulkku@lemm.ee 3 points 10 months ago

To me that seems to be talking about protest marks. Unintentional jizz doesn't seem to be a protest mark.