The rules about the Senate ballot paper recently changed, but they’re easy to remember.
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In previous elections, voters could number one box above the line or every box below the line. However, this time around you have to number at least six boxes above the line or at least 12 below the line.
The changes were made back in March to allow ‘optional preferential voting’. Proponents claim it allows people to have greater control over their vote while opponents said it would be harder for minority parties like the Palmer United Party and Liberal Democrats to get a seat.
Despite the changes, the NSW Senate ballot paper is still about one metre long and has about 150 candidates on it.
Stephen Mudd
Stephen Mudd is a journalist for Fairfax Media west of the great divide. He loves music, dogs and travel.
Stephen Mudd is a journalist for Fairfax Media west of the great divide. He loves music, dogs and travel.
