This is an HTML version of an attachment to the Freedom of Information request 'Documents pertaining to the 2023 referendum ballot papers'.












s 47F
From:
s 47F
Sent:
Thursday, 24 August 2023 9:26 AM
To:
Andrew Johnson
Cc:
s 47F
Subject:
AGS Advice - 1988 - ticks and crosses [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Hi Andrew, 
 
 
Please see from paragraph 6 of this AGS advice: 
 
1988.06.17 - Referendum (Machinery Provisions) Act 1984 (The Act) ss.24, 25 and 93 (A254772) 
 
In par cular at paras 7 and 8: 
 
7. In the first place, I confirm your understanding that 
ballot- papers marked with ticks only would be formal, 
the ticks denoting approval in each case. However, 
ballot-papers marked with crosses only would be informal 
as there would be no clear indication of the voter's 
intention. A cross may be used, by itself, variously to 
denote approval or disapproval. 
 
8. Further, in paragraph 9 of this Department's earlier 
memorandum you were advised that votes marked with ticks 
and crosses were formal. This is because where a tick and 
a cross are juxtaposed, the tick denotes approval and the 
cross disapproval. 
 
If you need anything else please let us know. 
 
Kind regards, 
s 47F
 Senior Government Lawyer  
Electoral Law Section | Legal Services Branch 
Australian Electoral Commission 
s 47F
  
 
 
 
 
 
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