More than ‘X’ marks the spot

EC: Other clear and legible symbols also acceptable on ballots

PETALING JAYA: The ubiquitous “X” may be ideal but it is not the only way to mark your ballot paper.

Aside from the well-known cross mark, other symbols like a clear and legible circle, a tick, an asterisk or even a dot that clearly shows a voter’s choice of candidate will count as an accepted vote, according to an Election Commission (EC) guidebook provided to polling and counting agents.

While voters are encouraged to place a neat “X” in the box next to the name and symbol of their preferred candidate, the EC actually gives some flexibility on how and even where on the ballots marks can be made.

The guide contains some 39 examples of differently marked ballots that will count as an accepted vote and 27 examples of ballots that will be rejected.

The examples show that the EC will accept certain types of markings to give the benefit of the doubt to voters who may be unaware of how to properly mark their ballots.

They include a mark made within the space for the candidate’s name or within the space for the candidate’s symbol.

There are, however, limits to how a voter can mark his or her ballot paper.

Certain types of markings are considered as spoiling the ballot.

They include an X or mark that extends into the space of another candidate, as well as any obscene, sensitive or derogatory words written on the ballot paper.

Markings in the spaces of more than one candidate or a mark made on the back of the ballot paper will also spoil it.

A voter who puts an X right under the serial number of the ballot paper will also have his or her vote considered spoilt.

This is because marking one’s choice outside of the boxes containing the name, symbol and space to mark the ballot paper is a no-no.

The serial number on a ballot is used to keep track of the number of ballots cast and cannot be used to identify voter information.

Voters must not cross off the serial number as it would spoil their vote.

Writing a voter’s name on the ballot paper will also spoil it because it identifies the voter’s identity.

In a media conference on Tuesday, electoral watchdog Bersih 2.0 also highlighted false information about the voting process that has been spread widely on social media, sparking confusion and fear among voters.

One falsehood that has gone viral over the past week is a Facebook post claiming that the right way to vote is by marking a large X on the ballot with the four ends of the letter extending to touch the corners of the box.

The post adds that a small X that “floats” in the box is incorrect.

Another WhatsApp message claims that the serial number on the ballot can be used to identify voters, and advises them to cross it off to protect their right to vote in secrecy.

Bersih 2.0 said the misinformation creates fear and may lead to voters unintentionally spoiling their votes.

“The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections calls on the EC to do its duty under the law by coming forward to clarify the concerns on secrecy of votes and the voting process,” said acting chairman Shahrul Aman.

A copy of the Vote Counting Guide can also be accessed on the Bersih website at www.bersih.org.

The public can verify any dubious information by contacting the EC at 03-8892 7220 or Bersih at 03-7931 4444 or via its social media channels.

EC officials could not be reached for comment.

(Bersih 2.0) calls on the EC to do its duty by coming forward to clarify the concerns on secrecy of votes. Shahrul Aman