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23/04/2015
Fine Gael Raise Concerns Over Layout Of Ballot Papers
Fine Gael has raised concerns over the current layout of ballot papers, claiming that they could cause "possible disadvantage" for certain candidates.
Cork East TD David Stanton said: "I am concerned about the current layout of ballot papers and possible disadvantage that this could cause to candidates affiliated to political parties.
"While present at the Local Election count in May last year, I noticed a large number of ballot papers where voters had marked their preference in the incorrect column.
"While the majority of these votes were deemed to be valid, I believe any ambiguity regarding completion of ballot papers needs to be addressed."
It is understood that the current layout of ballot papers for local and general elections has the party logo in the first column, then the candidates’ names and photographs and then a column for voters to indicate their preferences.
However, Deputy Stanton said that for independent candidates the box in the first column on the left hand side is blank as they don’t have a party logo.
He said that observed "on a quite significant number of ballot papers" that the column on the left hand side of the ballot paper was where voters indicated their preferences, which resulted in candidates affiliated to political parties not getting any preference in all these ballot papers.
"It is extremely important that the electorate be facilitated in casting their vote and that ballot papers are laid out in a clear and unambiguous fashion. I was very pleased to receive a commitment from Minister Kelly that he will examine ways to improve the layout of ballot papers to make certain that integrity is ensured," Deputy Stanton added.
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Alan Kelly said that he would examine the issue.
(MH)
Cork East TD David Stanton said: "I am concerned about the current layout of ballot papers and possible disadvantage that this could cause to candidates affiliated to political parties.
"While present at the Local Election count in May last year, I noticed a large number of ballot papers where voters had marked their preference in the incorrect column.
"While the majority of these votes were deemed to be valid, I believe any ambiguity regarding completion of ballot papers needs to be addressed."
It is understood that the current layout of ballot papers for local and general elections has the party logo in the first column, then the candidates’ names and photographs and then a column for voters to indicate their preferences.
However, Deputy Stanton said that for independent candidates the box in the first column on the left hand side is blank as they don’t have a party logo.
He said that observed "on a quite significant number of ballot papers" that the column on the left hand side of the ballot paper was where voters indicated their preferences, which resulted in candidates affiliated to political parties not getting any preference in all these ballot papers.
"It is extremely important that the electorate be facilitated in casting their vote and that ballot papers are laid out in a clear and unambiguous fashion. I was very pleased to receive a commitment from Minister Kelly that he will examine ways to improve the layout of ballot papers to make certain that integrity is ensured," Deputy Stanton added.
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Alan Kelly said that he would examine the issue.
(MH)
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