Folding the ballot
federal
election / Monday, October 21
#It'sOurVote
Before you vote
The deputy returning officer (DRO) will remove the ballot from the booklet and initial the back of the ballot.
Before handing the ballot to you, the DRO will fold it once toward the left to hide the circles (next to the candidates’ names) then fold it again toward the left so that the only part not covered is the perforated tab. The tab contains a number to account for the ballot.
When the DRO hands you the folded ballot, they will instruct you to go behind the voting screen and make a mark only in the circle next to the name of the candidate you wish to vote for.
After you vote
After marking your ballot, refold it once toward the left to hide the circles and then refold it again toward the left so that the only part not covered is the perforated tab.
When you return your marked ballot to the DRO, they will check their initials on the back of the ballot and look at the number on the tab to make sure that it matches the number in the booklet.
They will then tear off the tab from your ballot to ensure that your ballot cannot be identified and hand the ballot back to you so that you can put it in the ballot box.
Tell the DRO if you wish to hold on to your ballot while the DRO tears off the tab.