Spoiling ballot papers

[katreeen]

If I spoiled my ballot paper in the forthcoming election, would I still count towards turnout figures?

I wish to register my dissatisfaction with the four choices in my constituency (none of which are anywhere near my political standpoint) yet do not want to appear apathetic as I am anything but.

[oxeyedaisy]

your vote would just be void..if you feel that strongly you should just write to your local newspaper and they will probably print your letter..then everyone will see your protest..

[silly moo]

Yes your vote would be counted.
Some time ago this point was raised on a radio programme and the solicitor on the show said it was a very good way of showing disapproval and recommended it .
I have done this myself in a previous election.

[Peter Pedant]

Yeah turning up to vote and spoiling your ballot paper is a recognised way of protest voting.

Just putting a line through all the boxes will do. You do not have to decorate the candidates names with swear words or insults

Spoilt votes are (or were) scutinised by reps of all the candidates to see if they can divine an agreed intention to vote for one particular candidate, so comments like 'You've sent innocent boys to their deaths!' would get read. And if you squeezed it into one box then they would discuss whether you intended to vote for that particular candidate.

And yes I did write a letter on this subject to the papers which carried it, and so when I finally got elected to the council, no-one would speak to me. So what i didnt stand in order to make friends