Spoiling the Ballot

[Avocado]

Is a spoilt ballot paper counted? Why aren't they made aware of if so, and where can I find them?
Many Thanks

[jenstar]

A tally is kept of how many are spoilt, so it's counted numerically, but it doesn't "count" as a vote.

[Avocado]

I don't understand what you mean by 'count' as a vote. They never televise it so is it even published for the public anywhere?

[THECORBYLOON]

Have a look here for the 2005 General Election spoilt ballots. http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/template s/search/document.cfm/15010

[aristotle]

The official notice displayed outside the local town hall and on the council's website includes the number of spoilt votes cast. TV and the newspapers choose not to report this.

[saxy_jag]

I was also once told by a prospective candidate that candidates are actually shown the spoilt ballot papers.

I never used to vote, because I have no belief in the ability of any of the parties to serve my interests as I would wish. Hopefully spoiling my ballot paper (I scrawl the words "none of the above" across it) they will see this.

[Neilzulu1]

Who cares ? As no matter who gets in , they are all as bad as each other.

[Avocado]

but just imagine if everyone spolied the ballot - people don't because many don't know that they can and its counted, all because it isn't publicised

[Lucy Thomas]

Towards the end of the count, the Returning Officer will call the candidates and/or their agents together to examine all the spoiled papers. The counting staff are under instructions to set aside any ballot paper incorrectly marked. The RO will show each spoiled paper to the candidates who are free to question whether it is actually spoiled or valid. This must be agreed by all the candidates but the RO has the final say.