Glossary of Terms

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Absent Vote/s

Votes cast by attendance polling in a polling booth/polling place by electors who are physically and geographically outside their enrolled electoral division or electoral district on polling day, but still within their enrolled State. Such votes are usually declaration based with the marked ballot paper(s) having to be placed in a special envelope. The Absent Vote Declaration Envelope will have endorsed on the face of the envelope, the elector’s enrolled details and their signature. The elector’s signature typically will need to be witnessed by a polling official who issues the vote. Absent Votes are on-forwarded to the Returning Officer responsible for conducting the election in the enrolled elector’s division or district.   

Absolute Majority 

An absolute majority refers to the number of votes a successful candidate will require to be elected in a standard preferential or optional standard preferential based election or ballot. An absolute majority requires a candidate to achieve, in the case of a standard preferential based election, at least 50% plus one vote of the formal votes in the count. In the case of a optional preferential based election, an absolute majority comprises 50% plus one vote of the formal votes remaining in the count. (Also see Plurality, Relative Majority and Simple Majority).   

 

Act 

A bill, which becomes law after having being passed by the relevant Houses of Parliament and after having received Royal Assent or other formal approval.

 

Alternative Vote 

The voting system that is used to elect the lower house, the House of Representatives, in Australia. The system is based upon, full, standard, preferential voting. Accordingly electors are required to number all candidates in order of preference.  A candidate requires an absolute majority i.e. 50% of the formal first preference vote plus one, in order to be elected. Where a candidate dose not attain an absolute majority of first preference votes, a process is then commenced where the candidate with the fewest votes in the count is excluded   and the ballot papers of the excluded candidate are examined and physically distributed (transferred) in accordance with the second preferences shown on each ballot for that excluded candidate. This process of excluding candidates continues until a candidate attains an absolute majority.

 

Australian Capital Territory Electoral Commission 

An independent statutory authority established in 1994 to conduct ACT Legislative Assembly elections and referendums.

 

Australian Electoral Commission 

The independent federal government statutory authority established to conduct federal elections and referendums. The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) also is vested with the responsibility of maintaining the federal electoral rolls.

 

Amalgamation Ballot 

A ballot conducted by the Australian Electoral Commission under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Act 1996 whereby members of registered organisations determine through a formal ballot process, whether or not to amalgamate their respective organisations. 

 

Assembly, House of 

One of the Houses (usually the lower House) of a State or Territory Parliament.

 

Authorised Ballot Agent

 

Means an authorized ballot agent as defined in  Section 450 of the Workplace Relations Act 1996. Refer also to Section 480 of the Workplace Relations Act and Division 4 of the Workplace Regulations 2006.

 

Backbenchers 

A term used to describe Members of Parliament who are neither part of the Ministry nor the “shadow” i.e. opposition “Ministry”. 

 

Balance of Power 

The term used to describe a minority party’s or a group of independents’, voting power in the Parliament and applied where no political party or coalition group possesses a majority of Members comprising the relevant Parliament.

 

Ballot 

The process by which eligible voters make a choice across a candidate or candidates in an election or where they determine a particular issue in the case of a referendum, plebisite or certified or enterprise bargaining agreement. The term ballot is frequently applied in the context of elections for office within Unions or Employer Groups of registered organisations. The term ballot is also synonymous with the conduct of a “secret” vote.

 

Ballot Box 

The secure, sealed container into which the votes of eligible voters are placed pending their further consideration and/or counting. Ballot Boxes commonly are constructed of metal, plastic, or cardboard.

 

Ballot Call Flow 

The specific voting instructions provided to an eligible voter once they have been granted security access to a telephone voting system.

 

Ballot Paper 

A printed sheet showing either the names of approved candidates contesting the available positions for election, or options to be determined in a referendum, plebisite, or certified agreement or enterprise bargaining agreement ballot. Ballot papers usually include instructions for a voter on how to mark a formal ballot. Such instructions have their foundation in Legislation, Constitutions, or relevant Rules etc. 

 

Ballot Screen 

The representation on a monitor screen of a ballot in an Internet / Online based election/ballot. If the ballot is being concurrently conducted by both paper and Internet / Online, then the ballot details will formatted and presented similarly.

 

Bi-cameral 

Comprising two (2) Houses of Parliament.

 

Bill 

A proposal to form the basis of an Act of Parliament.

 

Block Vote Method 

A plurality (first past the post) method  where there is  more than one candidate to be elected. Under this method, the voters have as many votes as there are candidates to be elected.

 

Blue Ribbon Electorate/Seat 

An electorate /seat in which a substantial majority of voters traditionally vote for the same Party or Member. Within Australia, this term is often applied in the context of an electorate or seat consistently won by the Liberal Party.

 

Boundaries Commission 

A formal (South Australian) body with the powers of a Royal Commission that reviews and makes adjustments to South Australian electoral boundaries following each South Australian State general election. See also Redistribution/s.

 

By-Election 

An election held, usually as a consequence of the death, resignation or retirement of an elected representative. (Also see Casual Vacancy).

 

Cabinet 

The executive arm of  the Government. Cabinet operates under the conventions and principles of the British Westminster system.

 

Campaigns 

The promotional activities undertaken by political parties / candidates with the objective of encouraging constituents (or members) to vote for their party or candidacy. (Also see Canvassing).

 

Candidate 

An individual who has nominated for election, and whose nomination has been accepted/validated by the Returning Officer or Secretary (in the case of some organisations).

 

Candidate Statement/Profile 

Where the relevant Legislation, Constitutions, Rules or By-laws of an organisation dictate,  candidates may be permitted to provide some details pertaining to their claims for election. Such Statements usually have a word limit and other prescribed conditions. Photographs of candidates may also be permitted in some instances.

 

Canvassing 

Promotional activities undertaken by political parties and candidates with the objective of gaining the support of the voters. Frequently “canvassing” is construed as the activities of party and candidate workers who distribute “how to vote” promotional materials outside of polling booths/poling places. 

 

Casual Vacancy 

Refers to an elected position  “vacancy” created upon the death, retirement or resignation of an elected representative.  The applicable Legislation, Rules or By-laws will provide the basis for filling of a Casual Vacancy.

 

Certified Agreement Ballot 

Prior to March 2006, Employee ballots conducted under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Act 1996. Certified Agreements (sometimes referred to as Enterprise Bargaining Agreements) detailed in writing the matters pertaining to the relationship between an employer and employees.

 

Certified List 

The list of eligible voters (roll of voters) in an election or ballot.  (Also see Eligible Voters and Roll of Voters and Voter Database).

 

Citizen’s Initiated Referendum 

 Most usually based around a petition containing a specified number of signatures. Akin to the governance capacity and mechanics within some organisations for members to recommend or demand constitutional reform.

 

Close of Rolls 

The date/time specified in Legislation (or in some cases in Constitutions, Rules or By-laws) for the “cut-off” of the electoral (or voters roll) to be used as the basis for an election or ballot.

 

Coalition 

A strategic alliance of political parties/groups formed with the primary objective of maximizing opportunities for achieving a working majority (and therefore control) of an elected Parliament.

 

Collective Agreement Ballot 

Employee ballots conducted under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Act 1996. Collective Agreements detail in writing the matters pertaining to the relationship between an employer and employees.

 

Compulsory Enrolment 

The (Australian) legal requirement that qualified persons must complete an electoral claim and enrol to have their details included on the Electoral Roll. Enrolment is a necessary pre-cursor to being able to vote in Australian parliamentary elections. Once enrolled it also compulsory to update enrolment by advising all changes of address.

 

Compulsory Voting 

Compulsory voting represents a corollary to the principle of and requirement for compulsory enrolment. Once enrolled on the Electoral Roll, it is compulsory for electors (those persons listed on the electoral Roll), to vote in Australian parliamentary elections. Penalties may be imposed upon electors who fail to vote in such elections, without a valid and sufficient reason.

 

Conjoint Election or Conjoint General Election 

An election for all seats-in both houses- of a Parliament.

 

Conscience Vote 

A parliamentary vote where all members (irrespective of their party or political affiliation) formulate and make their own decision on an issue and vote according to their “conscience”. So- called Conscience Votes are usually restricted to issues of moral or social relevance.

 

Consideration (or Perusal) Period

In relation to Collective Agreement processes, the period (7 days) that an employer must take reasonable steps to ensure that all eligible employees in relation to the (proposed) Collective Agreement are given an information statement at least 7 days before the agreement is approved. Further refer to Section 337 of the Workplace Relations Act 1996.

 

Constitution 

A Constitution is a formal document setting out a statement of laws or rules. The Australian Constitution sets out the procedures and powers of the Commonwealth Parliament.  Organisational Constitutions mandate the corporate governance procedures to be applied and followed by an organisation.

 

Continuous Roll Update 

Application of various methods/sources to update the federal Electoral Roll.

 

Council 

The administrative body pertaining to a Local Government entity.

 

Court of Disputed Returns 

Challenges to the validity of parliamentary election results are dealt with through the Court of Disputed Returns. (See also Disputed Returns).

 

Cross Bench 

Seats for parliamentary members who belong neither to the government nor opposition parties.

 

Cross the Floor 

A member of  parliament “crosses the floor” when he/she votes on an issue, but the member votes with the opposition, rather than in accordance with their own government ranks.

 

Cumulative Voting 

Cumulative Voting is akin to a plurality (first past the post) form of voting. This is so because ultimately candidates are elected in accordance with the number of votes (in total) that they poll; and they are elected (up to the number of vacancies) in rank order of polling from highest to lowest. There are no “preferences” or “distributions of preferences” or “exclusions” involved. 

Cumulative Voting is used widely in the context of corporate (Director) elections in the United States and it is a system that a number of advocates (and Courts) have recognised as providing an enhanced opportunity for relevant “minority” representation. 

Traditionally in calculating a voter’s voting entitlement in a corporate election using Cumulative Voting,  the number of shares held by the Member, is multiplied by the number of vacancies to be applied.

 

Deadlock 

A term used to describe the situation where agreement on an issue between the upper and lower houses of parliament remains unresolved, and resulting in the obstruction of the passage of legislation.

 

Declaration of the Poll 

The formal and public announcement by a Returning Officer (or other designated official), of the outcome of an election or ballot. (Also see Declaration of Result.) 

 

Declaration of Result 

The formal, written notification by a Returning Officer (or other designated official) of the result of count of an election or ballot. (Also see Declaration of the Poll).

 

Declaration Vote 

A “special purpose”  vote where the voter needs to contain his/her ballot paper(s) in an Envelope. Declaration votes may comprise postal votes,  absent votes, pre-poll votes, provisional votes etc. Characteristically, declaration votes need to pass specific voter validation tests to determine the eligibility of the vote to be “admitted” or included in the count.

 

Declaration Issuing Officer 

The polling official(s)  employed specifically to process Declaration Votes. These officials require some specialist training and instruction so that they are appropriately equipped to perform their functions.

 

Declared Institution/s 

These are hospitals, nursing homes or other institutions that are “designated”  for mobile polling or electoral visitor voting. Specially trained and equipped polling officials visit declared institutions for the purposes of taking the votes of qualified residents.

 

Democracy 

Government “by the people,  for the people and of the people”.  A system of government in which governance stems from elected representatives. The word “Democracy” is derived from the ancient Greek words, “demos”- “ the people” and “kratos” –“strength”. 

 

Discarded Ballot 

“Discarded Ballots”  are those ballots found on the floor of polling booths (polling places) or in the rubbish receptacles within polling booths. Discarded ballots are withheld from the count of ballots. They however are taken into account in terms of the overall ballot accounting for a polling booth (polling place). Discarded ballots should not be confused with Spoilt Ballots. (See also Spoilt Ballots).

 

Disenfranchise 

To deny a person the right to vote.

 

Disputed Returns 

Challenges to the validity of parliamentary election results. Such challenges are dealt with through the Court of Disputed Returns. (Also see Court of Disputed Returns).

 

Dissolution 

The formal process concluding a parliamentary term.  Only the Governor General (in the case of the federal government) or a Governor (in the case of a State Government), may “dissolve” parliament.

 

Distribution of Preferences 

A procedural process that is applied through preferential and optional preferential voting systems. Where no candidate achieves an absolute majority of the formal votes (in the case of a standard preferential voting system)  or of the formal votes remaining in the count (in the case of an optional preferential system), then the ballots of the candidate who at the relevant count stage, has the fewest votes in the count, is excluded. The process of exclusion involves the transfer of contingent preferences from the excluded candidate, to candidates remaining in the count. 

 

District 

A defined geographic area comprising the electors (or members) qualified/eligible to vote (or nominate) in respect of the relevant District.

 

Division 

The term “Division” refers to the geographic entity that comprises each House of Representatives federal electorate.  Electoral Divisions are determined through the formal process of Redistribution. The term is also applied to some State or Local Government electoral entities.

 

Division Voting 

In the context of parliamentary sittings,  the process of recording and reporting of members’ votes on an issue. In the context of Council elections,  voting within a particular Council Division.

 

Donkey Vote 

A typical “donkey vote” is one which records preferences from top to bottom of the ballot, precisely in accordance with the order of the names of candidates shown on the ballot.  The term is most usually applied in the context of a single election. Donkey Votes account for approximately two (2) percent of the formal votes in an election.

 

Double Dissolution 

The formal dissolution of both houses of  federal parliament. A double dissolution election involves elections for each House of Representatives Division (or seat) as well as a full election for the Senate (upper house).

 

Double Majority 

This term applies in the context of federal Referendums. For Referendum to be “carried” i.e. be approved by the electors, any alteration to the Constitution must be approved by a “ double majority”. A double majority reflects not only a national majority of electors voting in favour of a proposal,, but also a majority of electors in a majority of the Australian States  also voting in favour of the proposal. Because of these stringent provisions, few Referendum proposals have succeeded.  

 

Draw by Lot 

A process applied to determine order or selection by random choice. Drawing by lot is most frequently applied in the context of determining the ballot order of candidates or in determining the order of exclusion or order of election of candidates. In electronic based elections/ballots, the process of candidate exclusion or election may be conducted by random computer draw or by a Returning Officer draw. However the stated requirements of Legislation, Constitution, Rules or By-laws always prevail. 

 

Droop Quota 

Refers to the quota of votes to be obtained by a candidate in order to be elected in the context of some proportional representation (Single Transferable Vote -STV) elections. The quota was named after HR Droop, an English barrister. The Droop quota is calculated by dividing the total number of formal first preference votes cast in an election, by the total number of candidates to be elected, plus one, and by adding one to the quotient so obtained.

 

Election 

The process of choosing or selecting through voting,  a particular nominated candidate (or candidates) to occupy some official position or positions. 

 

Election Day 

The day specified when the great bulk of electors cast their vote(s) in an Election. In Australian parliamentary Elections, Election day (or Polling Day) is usually scheduled on a Saturday. Polling hours on Election day are usually 8.00am to 6.00pm. (Also see Polling Day).

 

Election Office 

The office, or actual administrative base from which an election is conducted by a Returning Officer.

 

Elections ACT 

The Australian Capital Territory Electoral Commission. An independent statutory authority established in 1994 to conduct ACT Legislative Assembly elections and referendums.

 

Electoral Act 

Pieces of legislation prescribing the rules and processes for the conduct of parliamentary elections and other electoral matters. The legislation pertaining to Australian federal elections is contained in the Commonwealth Electoral Act and each Australian State or Territory also has its own specific electoral legislation.

 

Electoral Commissioner 

The statutory officer appointed to administer electoral legislation. There is a federal Electoral Commissioner who heads the Australian Electoral Commission and there are also State/Territory Commissioners.

 

Electoral Formula 

The particular counting rules which apply in an electoral system.

 

Electoral Offence 

Any activity or action that breaches the laws as defined in an Electoral Act or related piece of legislation.

 

Electoral Office 

A generic term used to apply to any formal government office or customer service centre whose primary role is responsible for administering electoral or election matters.

 

Electoral /Enrolment Quota 

A term applying in the context of preliminary redistribution processes. For example, the (Australian) federal Electoral Commissioner determines the “enrolment quota” for a State by dividing the number of electors enrolled in a State, by the number of members of the House of Representatives to be elected for the State at a General Election.

 

Electoral Roll 

The Electoral Roll comprises the list of names of all the electors who are entitled to vote in an Election. For Australian parliamentary elections, in order to have their details included on the Electoral Roll, electors must formally “enrol” by completing, signing and then submitting to the Australian Electoral Commission an Electoral Enrolment Claim Form. Electoral Enrolment is compulsory in Australia. (Also see Voter Roll and Voter Database).

 

Electoral Roll Review 

A process applied by the Australian Electoral Commission to update the Electoral Roll. The essential basis of the Electoral Roll Review revolves around the conduct of a “house to house” check of the Electoral Roll by using specially recruited and trained staff. (Also see Electoral Roll Update (ERU)).

 

Electoral Visitor/s 

In some Australian States legislation provides for Electoral Visitors (specially trained/equipped polling officials) to visit the homes of elderly/infirm/incapacitated electors (and/or the carers of such electors), for the purposes of taking the votes of those electors. Further, in some jurisdictions, the polling officials that visit “declared institutions” for the purposes of taking the votes of residents, are termed “Electoral Visitors”. In Commonwealth elections,  presently there is no provision for “Electoral Visitor” voting; however “mobile polling teams” visit “Special Hospitals.” (See also Mobile Polling and  Special Hospitals).  

 

Electorate 

The generic term applied to a geographic electoral entity. In federal elections “electorates” are usually referred to as “Divisions”. In State/Territory realms the entities may be “Districts” or  “Provinces”. Within   Council or  Local Authority areas, the entities may be “Wards”, “Divisions” etc.

 

Electorate Office 

The office/administrative base for a Member of Parliament and his/her support staff. This term is often confused with “Electoral Office” i.e. a government agency responsible for administering electoral matters.

 

Electronic Ballot/Election 

An election or ballot that is conducted using secure Internet / Online or Telephone technology. Could also describe voting conducted using an electronic voting “kiosk ”i.e. a computerised touch screen voting terminal located in a polling booth/voting compartment. 

 

Electronic Vote Recording 

A system where a voter records their vote on voting machine (punch card, touch screen etc) and the vote is stored within the machine. When voting is finalised, data stored within the machine is transferred to the relevant tabulation /counting system.

 

Electronic Vote Counting 

A system where vote data from votes cast by eligible voters is loaded into a computerised counting machine and the results of the ballot/election are calculated electronically. The loading of vote data may be accomplished by straight data keying of information shown on paper ballots,  by electronic scanning of ballots using either optical mark recognition (OMR) or optical character recognition (OCR) technology, by extraction of data from voting machines or by downloading of information from a secure electronic vote store.

 

Electronic Voting 

A system where an eligible voter casts their vote using an online system including the Internet / Online, Touch-tone Telephone voting using Interactive Voice Recognition (IVR), or Mobile Telephone SMS text facility. Once a voter selects/casts their vote, the details of the vote are transmitted in real time to a secure electronic store, pending tabulation (counting) of the results.

 

Eligibility 

The requirement/status to be achieved in order to be qualified to vote in an election or ballot. Eligibility may be based on enrolment, financial status, occupational requirements/experience etc.

 

Endorsement 

An individual who is chosen to stand as a candidate to represent some political party or group.

 

Enfranchise 

To assign or grant a person the right to vote.

 

Enquiry Officer 

A specially trained polling official whose role is customer service based to facilitate polling booth operations and voter flow and to answer queries made by electors visiting a polling place or polling booth.

 

Enrolment 

The process of a qualified person completing, signing and submitting an Electoral Claim (Enrolment) Form so as to have their details included on the Electoral Roll. Electoral enrolment is compulsory in Australia.

 

Enrolment Form 

The form prescribed for electors to complete in order to facilitate enrolment on the Electoral Roll.

 

Enterprise Bargaining Ballot 

See Certified Agreement Ballot.

 

Excluded Candidate 

In a preferential or optional preferential based election/ballot, a candidate is “excluded” from the count because he or she has fewer votes than other candidates, at that particular stage of the count. The “excluded” candidate’s relevant contingent preferences are transferred to “continuing” candidates i.e. those candidates remaining in the count. (Also see Distribution of Preferences).

 

Exhausted Ballot/Vote 

A ballot that can no longer be distributed in a preference distribution process as no further preferences are listed on the ballot for any candidate(s) remaining in the count.  The total of exhausted ballots plus the total of formal votes remaining in the count must equate with the total of formal ballots included in the count. (See also Optional Preferential Voting). 

 

Exhaustive Ballot 

This system is relevant in the context of a single constituency election. Where no single candidate (for a single seat) attains more than half the votes, the candidate with the fewest number of votes is excluded from further consideration and a new poll is taken of those candidates remaining. The process is repeated until one candidate attains more than the total combined vote of all remaining candidates. 

 

Extraordinary Vacancy 

Most usually refers to an elected position  “vacancy” created upon the death, retirement or resignation of an elected representative.  The applicable Legislation, Rules or By-laws will provide the basis for filling of a Casual Vacancy. (Also see Casual Vacancy).

 

Federal /Commonwealth Government 

Terminology applied to refer to Australia’s national government. Australia’s Constitution distributes formal authority between the central (federal) government and those of the States.

 

Federation 

Federation represented the formal unification of the Australian States on 1 January 1901 to form the Commonwealth of Australia.

 

First Past the Post 

A voting system whereby the candidate with the most votes is elected – whether or not that elected candidate has attained an absolute majority i.e. 50% of the formal votes plus one. “ First past the post “is widely used in Union and Corporation elections/ballots. The system may be applied to elect one or more positions. Voters usually need only to place a tick or a cross on their ballot(s)  in order to cast their vote. However some “First past the post” system variants apply a “strike-out” method or numerical base. The type of approach to be applied will be dependant upon the relevant Legislation, Constitution, Rules or By-laws.

 

Formal Vote 

A ballot that has been marked or selected (in the case of an electronic ballot), in accordance with the relevant election/ballot rules and that will accordingly count towards the ultimate election result. (Also see Informal Vote).

 

Fractional Transfer Value 

In a proportional representation based election system, the fractional transfer value represents the reduced value at which a candidate’s surplus votes are transferred to continuing candidates. The transfer value applicable in the case of  the distribution of the surplus votes of a candidate who is elected from first preference votes is calculated by dividing the number of the elected candidate’s surplus votes (those votes in excess of the Quota for the election) by the number of first preference votes received by the candidate. However the transfer value to be applied to a surplus distribution of a candidate following a transfer is calculated by dividing the number of the candidate’s surplus votes by the number of ballot papers received at the last transfer. 

 

Franchise 

The right to vote.

 

Fresh Scrutiny 

The recheck (recount) of ballot papers is conducted by a Returning Officer prior to determining the result of an election and/or prior to conducting a distribution of preferences. The basic purpose of the Recheck is to ensure that each formal ballot is assigned to the correct candidate,  to ensure that there are no informal ballots contained with the formal ones, to ensure that there are no formal ballots contained with the informal ones, to guarantee the total number of first preference votes for each candidate and to ascertain and prove the correct number of informal ballots. The Fresh Scrutiny/Recheck provides the appropriate proper basis to conduct, where necessary, a distribution of preferences. (Also see Recheck).

 

Funding & Disclosure 

Formal legislative provisions and administration governing processes including political party registration,  the public funding of election campaigns, and the disclosure of certain financial details by candidates , political parties and other relevant groups or individuals.

 

General Election 

For an Australian federal election, a General Election is usually taken to refer to an election for each House of Representatives seat plus an election for half of the Senate. For State/Territory elections, the term applies similarly to elections for all lower house seats, and where relevant,  combined with an election for half the upper house seats.

 

General Postal Voter(s)

These are electors who have made special arrangement and registration with the Electoral Commission to have their postal ballot material sent direct; without the need to first apply for postal ballot materials. Such registrants typically include electors residing in remote areas, electors having a disability, silent electors etc. ballot materials are sent to registered General Postal Voters as soon as possible after ballot papers are printed.

 

Gerrymander 

Named after Governor Gerry of Massachusetts who approved a “rigged” electoral boundary and shaped it somewhat akin to a salamander. “Gerrymander” accordingly refers to the process of drawing electoral boundaries (entities), but for political advantage.

 

Government 

The particular system through which a community or society is controlled or directed.

 

Group Voting Ticket 

Where provided, by way of Legislation, Constitution, Rules or By-laws, these “tickets” represent a formal written, printed statement of preferences lodged by candidates, by an approved electoral group or by a political party, and following the close of nominations and the draw for positions on the ballot (if any). Group Voting Tickets are usually displayed within polling booths/polling places for the availability and perusal of electors. Candidates/parties attempt to maximise their opportunities for election by recommending in the Group Voting Tickets (and through “how to vote cards”, the manner in which electors might mark their ballot(s).

 

Hansard 

Printed transcripts of parliamentary debates.

 

Hare-Clark 

The Hare–Clark electoral system is a Single Transferable Vote (STV) method of proportional representation used in multi-member electorates/constituencies. The title Hare-Clark derives both from (an Englishman) Thomas Hare who proposed the notion of proportional representation and also from Andrew Ingles Clark, a former member of the Tasmanian Parliament, who introduced a variant of the Hare system and now termed the Hare-Clark system. (Also see Proportional Representation and Single Transferable Vote).

 

House of Assembly 

Usually the lower  house of a State/Territory parliament.

 

House of Representatives 

The lower  house of the Australian federal parliament.

 

How to Vote Card 

A promotional initiative, usually in the form of small cardboard or paper representation of a ballot paper, developed by candidates/political parties and intended to influence voters to vote for their individual or party candidacy. Where a preferential voting is relevant, the “cards” invariably display and represent the recommended manner of preference marking, most suitable to the candidate or the political party. Candidate or political party “hacks” usually volunteer to stand adjacent to polling booth/polling place entrances and hand the “how to vote cards” to electors entering the polling booth.  There are usually formal restrictions legislated on the how proximal to a polling booth/ polling place entrance that canvassing may take place. A common legislative provision is that canvassing not be permitted within five (5) meters of the entrance to a polling booth/polling place. Many voters have become dependant upon, or otherwise mistakenly consider that they must follow,  the information conveyed on a “How to Vote Card” . Of course voters are free to make their own determinations about how to mark or select their ballot(s).

 

Hybrid Election/Ballot 

A hybrid Election/Ballot involves the application and availability to the eligible voters, the use of more than one voting medium in the same electoral event. For example, eligible voters might be offered the use of either Postal or Internet / Online voting in a Ballot.

 

Independent 

A candidate, or an elected representative, who is not a member of a political party.

 

Industrial Election(s)

Official Position Elections conducted for Registered Organisations (Unions and Employer Groups) and under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Act (in the case of federally registered organisations). Relevant legislation mandates that  Industrial Elections be conducted by government Electoral Commissions.

 

Informal Ballot 

A ballot that is not included in the formal count because it fails to meet the requirements mandated in the relevant Act, Constitution, Election Rules or By-laws. Typically ballots are deemed informal, when the voter’s intention is not sufficiently clear. Accordingly, for example, a ballot showing either no vote/selection, or alternatively one that has indistinguishable first preference markings/selections, will be classified informal. In addition, where the name of the voter is written and identifiable on the ballot, then usually the ballot will be informal.

 

In-Person Vote 

A term sometimes applied to voters who utilise pre-poll voting facilities. Typically pre-poll voters are those in parliamentary elections that claim they will not be able to utilise polling booth voting facilities on Election day and therefore vote “in person” at an electoral office or designated pre-poll voting centre.  (Also see Pre-poll voting). 

 

Internet / Online Ballot/Vote 

A ballot or election where the voting medium applied is secure Internet / Online technology. (Also see Electronic Ballot/Election, Electronic Vote Counting, and Electronic Voting).

 

Issuing Officer 

The generic term applied to a  polling official employed by a Returning Officer to issue ballot material to voters.

 

Issuing Point 

A desk or table in a  polling place (polling booth) from which ballot material is issued. Larger size polling places will have multiple Issuing Points.

 

Itinerant Elector 

A person who has no fixed place of address but whose name has been included on the Electoral Roll.

 

Legislative Assembly 

Usually the lower house  in a (State) parliament.

 

Legislative Council 

Usually the upper house  in a (State) parliament.

 

List Proportional Representation (List System)

Essentially List systems involve each political party presenting a list (akin to a slate) of candidates to the voters (the electorate). The parties achieve representation in proportion to their overall share of the total vote. (Also see proportional Representation).

 

Local Government 

Sometimes referred to as the “third” tier of government. Local Government responsibilities usually include levy of land rates and charges, administration of parks and gardens community and cultural affairs, maintenance of roads and streets, sanitation, garbage collection, approvals for building etc.

 

Local Government Act 

An Act of parliament that regulates the administration of Local Government activities including the conduct of Local Government Elections.

 

Lower House 

A house of parliament. Usually,  the House of Assembly in a (State) parliament.

 

Majority 

See Absolute Majority, Plurality, Relative Majority and Simple Majority.

 

Malapportionment 

A situation of imbalance in population densities between electoral constituencies /geographic entities.

 

Mandate 

Once elected to majority power, a government’s claim for authority to implement and administer their various policy platforms.

 

Manufactured Majority 

A term sometimes used to reflect the situation where a single political party or group  wins less than 50% of the total formal votes, but the party gains an absolute majority of the available parliamentary seats.

 

Marginal Electorate/Seat 

An electorate or seat that is ‘won” by a candidate but with only a small margin of votes.   

 

Member 

A member (an elected representative) of a parliament.

 

Member(s) of parliament 

An elected representative who serves in  parliament.

 

Minister 

A government member of parliament who is appointed by the Governor General (in the case of the Commonwealth parliament or the Governor of the State (in the case of a State parliament)  to be a member of the Executive (Cabinet) and who will be (appointed) responsible for one or more specific areas of government administration.

 

Ministry 

The group of government members formally appointed to control and be responsible for the administration of government activities.

 

Minority Government 

Government formed by a political party or an alliance or coalition of political parties, however the party (or parties)  does not have a majority of the total number of elected seats.

 

Member of the Legislative Assembly 

An elected member of (usually0 a lower  house of parliament.

 

Mobile Polling 

A special service facility provided to enable electors in designated remote areas or in specified convalescent or nursing homes  (Declared Institutions or Special Hospitals) to cast their votes. In the case of remote area mobile polling, arrangements are made by the Returning Officer to provide the necessary material and personnel resources to enable voting to take place in accordance with specified pre-determined schedules. These arrangements involve the deployment of mobile polling teams who visit the designated communities either by air charter or four wheel drive vehicle. (Also see Declared Institutions and Special Hospitals). 

 

Mobile Polling Team 

These are polling officials that are specially recruited and trained to undertake mobile polling activities in remote areas and also in convalescent / nursing homes. (Also see Electoral Visitors).

 

Multiple Preferential Voting System 

This is a voting system that accomplishes the multiple election of the relevant number of candidates in one ballot. The system is used by some industrial organisations. Voters are required to mark/select their ballot preferentially usually up to the number of candidates to be elected. Ballots that show preference selections up to the number to be elected are termed primary votes and those ballots marked/selected beyond the number to be elected are referred to as secondary votes. The candidate obtaining the fewest primary vote is excluded and secondary votes (preferences) are distributed to remaining candidates. This exclusion process is continued until there is one more than the number of candidates to be elected. The candidate lowest in ranking is then excluded and the remaining candidates are elected.

 

Next Available Preference 

The candidate marked/selected  by a voter on a ballot as the next preferred continuing candidate.

 

Nomination 

The process by which an individual seeks to formally contest an election or ballot as a candidate. The “requirements” governing nomination will be contained in legislation, in an organisation’s Constitution, Election rules or By-laws.

 

Non Transferable Vote 

A ballot that that cannot be distributed further as it “exhausts”- it does not show any further preferences for continuing candidates. (Also see Exhausted Ballots).

 

Notional Distribution of Preferences 

This is an indicative sort and count of votes conducted in a polling place, once the first preference count in a parliamentary election has been completed. It’s primary purpose is to provide an indication of the likely election outcome by notionally distributing the preferences of minor candidates to the (anticipated) two major candidates. This count is sometimes referred to as the “Two Party Preferred Count.” Government Electoral Commissioners determine the “major candidates”.

 

Offence/s 

See Electoral Offences.

 

Opinion Poll 

A survey conducted that registers voter or general public opinion.

 

Opposition 

The political party or parties that do not have a majority of the total seats in a parliament and therefore cannot form the government. 

 

Optional Preferential Voting 

A system of voting in which a voter marks/selects the preferences for candidates of their choice, but the voter need not mark/select preferences for all candidates listed on the ballot. In an optional preferential election, a candidate needs to attain an absolute majority (i.e. 50% plus one) of the votes remaining in the count.  Where a voter does not show contingent preferences for each and every candidate, the ballot is deemed to “exhaust” at the point where no further preferences are shown/selected. The optional preferential  voting system may be used to elect one or more representatives.

 

Ordinary Election 

A term often applied to a normally scheduled  “end of term” election.

 

Ordinary Vote/Voter 

The ballot that is issued to an elector in an parliamentary election, the elector attends at his/her local polling place/polling booth and the elector is listed in the Certified List (Voter Roll) for that relevant (local) electorate.

 

Overseas Elector 

A special category enrolment provision (under Commonwealth legislation) relevant to electors residing overseas for three years or less.

 

Parliament 

A political assembly of elected representatives who debate/vote proposed laws.

 

Parliamentary Democracy 

A system of government whereby the people (electors) determine and exercise their political will by selecting representatives (through formal election) to represent them in the parliament, and to make laws.

 

Party 

See Political Party

 

Party Hack 

A term sometimes used to refer to members of a political party who actively participate in the operational “grass roots” affairs of the party. Party hacks traditionally assist as candidate campaign staff (or as scrutineers) at polling places (in parliamentary elections). 

 

Party Linear Vote  

A ballot in a multi-member election and  the candidates are marked/selected,  but straight down a party line or list.

 

Platform 

The policies or plans that candidates/political parties promise to introduce, if elected to power. 

 

Plebisite 

A decision on an issue made by a group of people. Plebisites often take the form of a referendum -a “yes” or “no” vote on a particular proposal/issue. A plebistite will be conducted in accordance with the relevant governance requirements.

 

Plurality

A term related to the “first past the post” system of voting. The candidate who attains the highest number of votes in an election or ballot attains a plurality or  “simple majority” of votes and is elected. (Also see Absolute Majority and Relative Majority).

 

Points System 

Under the Points System, a voter awards a particular number of points to their first chosen candidate, but a lesser number of points is awarded  the second preferred candidate and so on, to the required number. The candidate with greatest number of points is elected. The system can be applied to elect one or more positions.

 

Political Party 

A political party comprises a group of individuals with similar ideals/objectives and who collaborate to select nominees for election to office. In Australia, political parties are required to be officially registered before they can contest parliamentary elections and have party identification details included on ballots.

 

Poll 

Refers to the counting of votes in an election or survey.

 

Polling Day 

The day on which the major elements of a parliamentary /council election are conducted. (Also see Election Day).

 

Polling Booth/Polling Place 

The particular advertised location(s) where electors visit to record their vote(s) in a parliamentary/council election.  Returning Officers select ,equip and staff polling places based upon  the anticipated voter turnout art the polling place.

 

Polling Officials 

These are the staffing resources appointed by the Returning Officer to conduct polling in a polling booth/polling place. There is usually a Presiding Officer,  Officer in Charge or Polling place Manager appointed to control activities  in the polling booth and to administer the electoral laws in regard to the conduct of the poll. Other categories of polling officials are appointed by the Returning Officer to assist the person in charge and to perform specialist functions in the polling place on polling day. Polling officials  usually are trained to perform their specialist role, but they also need to be able to perform some of the other various functions in the polling booth.

 

Portfolio 

Usually refers to departmental responsibility (or responsibilities if for more than one Department is involved) of a Cabinet Minister. 

 

Postal Vote 

In respect of a parliamentary/council election, the medium of voting available to a en elector who is unable to physically attend a polling booth (polling place) on polling day. Typically postal voters have to apply to receive postal ballot material. The Returning Officer validates applications received and sends ballot material to the voter. The voter will be supplied with the basic material to cast their vote. The completed ballot material is to be returned to the Returning Officer for processing. 

In elections for organistaions including corporations, and in Certified Agreement Ballots, postal voting also  is widely used. However in these elections the eligible voter does not normally need to apply to receive the ballot material; the material is directly forwarded to each eligible voter after ballot material has been printed.

 

Pre-poll Vote 

Typically pre-poll voters are those electors in parliamentary/council elections that claim they will not be able to utilise polling booth voting facilities on Election day but who vote “in person” prior to polling day at an electoral office or designated pre-poll voting centre.  Pre-poll voting centres  traditionally  are set up in  Electoral Offices, and the designated centres could include locations in major airports, in shopping centres in tourist locations and in diplomatic offices (in the case of Australia federal elections). (Also see In-Person Vote).

 

Preferential Voting 

A system of voting where electors/voters must express through marking/selection an order of ranking for each candidate listed on the ballot. To be elected under the preferential voting system, a candidate must obtain an absolute majority (i.e 50% plus one) of the total formal vote in the count. Where no candidate attains an outright absolute majority, the candidate who is lowest ranking in the count at that particular stage, is excluded and the excluded candidate’s ballots are examined to determine, and to physically transfer, that excluded candidate’s second preferences to continuing candidates. The process of excluding candidates continues, until one candidate attains an absolute majority. This system is used in the elections for the federal House of Representatives and is sometimes referred to as the Alternative Vote. The system is also used in a number of other parliamentary and other settings. The system can be applied to elect either one or multiple positions. (Also see Optional Preferential Voting).

 

Preliminary Scrutiny 

The “preliminary scrutiny” essentially involves a “voter entitlement check”. It involves the process of validating a person’s entitlement to have their vote admitted to the count. Also referred to as “validation”. The preliminary scrutiny may involve, for example, the checking of voter signatures on declaration votes, the marking back of voters to the voter roll, the checking /verification of membership numbers etc. (Also see Scanning and Validation).

 

Premier 

In an Australian context, the term Premier usually refers to the head/leader of a State Government. 

 

Prescribed Information 

The formal, statutory  request for conduct of an election for a registered organisation under the auspices the Workplace Relations (or other related State) Act. (Also see Registered Organisations). 

 

Pre-selection 

The process applied by political parties to choose their candidates to contest parliamentary elections. The particular approach applied to pre-selection will be a function of the relevant Rules.

 

President 

A term often applied to the elected head of state of a nation/republic. May also apply, in a corporation context, to the head of a Board/Company.

 

Primary Vote 

In a preferential system based vote, this is sometimes taken to refer to the first preference votes recorded by each candidate. In a multiple preferential system based vote, the primary vote refers to the preferences marked/selected by voters up to the number of candidates to be elected.

 

Prime Minister 

The Prime Minister is the leader of the federal (Commonwealth) government. (Also see President).

 

Profile 

Under the provisions of some legislation and organisations, candidates for election may be able to provide statements or profiles in support of their candidacy. Such provisions usually contain limitations or restrictions as to the number of words and statement content.(Also see Candidate Statements).

 

Proportional Representation 

Proportional Representation is a system of voting  essentially designed to elect representatives in proportion to the amount of support each has in the constituency/electorate. Candidates effectively are elected in proportion to the number of votes they receive. However candidates must obtain a “quota” of votes to be elected. The system may be used to elect one or more positions; however it’s application is more relevant when electing a number of candidates to vacant positions.   Under proportional representation, voters usually mark/select preferences for candidates in the order of their choice. The rules/constitutions of some organisations might mandate that the ballots must be marked /selected fully preferentially, however the system equally applies in those situations where an optional preferential system of marking/selection is mandated. Proportional Representation may also be applied in conjunction with List based (akin to Slate) voting methods and where voters select one party or a combined group of candidates. (Also see Hare – Clarke and Single Transferable Vote).

 

Protected Action Ballot 

Protected Action Ballot means a ballot conducted under Division 4 of part 9 of the Workplace Relations Act 1996. Refer also to Division 4 of the Workplace Relations Regulations 2006.

 

Province 

Some geographic electoral entities/constituencies may be referred to as Provinces or Electoral Provinces. . (Also see Electorate, Electoral District/ Division, Redistribution and Seat).

 

Provisional Enrolment 

The Australian legislative provision that permits otherwise qualified seventeen year old persons to enrol on the Electoral Roll. Their enrolment is “provisional” (and therefore they are unable to vote in an parliamentary election) until they attain eighteen years of age.

 

Provisional Vote 

In an Australian federal election context,  the vote of an individual that is enclosed in a special declaration envelope. The Provisional Vote declaration envelopes are returned to the Returning Officer who undertakes special review and investigations into the eligibility of the persons to vote and to have their ballot(s) included in the count. The most common reason for issue of an Provisional Vote relates to the inability of a polling official to locate the relevant elector’s details on the Certified list (Roll of Voters) for the particular Division/electorate, but the elector claims (and maintains) their entitlement to vote. Another fairly common basis for issue of a Provisional vote is that an elector presents  to vote in a polling booth, but their elector details have already been “marked off” on the polling booth Certified List. If the voter makes a declaration to the effect that they have not already voted in the election, then they are issued with a Provisional Vote. The polling officials who issue Provisional Votes need to be specially trained. (Also see Declaration Voting).  

 

Psephology 

The study of elections, voting patterns and voting trends.

 

Public Company Voting 

The Public Company method has its foundation in the (Australian) Corporations Law.  The method essentially envisages a separate vote being taken on each position in a meeting situation, and with “voting” conducted by a show of hands.

 

Queue Controller 

A polling official whose prime function is to facilitate voter flow into a polling booth /polling place/meeting ballot.

 

Quota 

The minimum number of votes required by a candidate to achieve election. Most frequently used in the context of proportional representation voting systems. (Also see Hare Clarke and Proportional Representation). 

The term quota might also be applied in the context of the redistribution of electoral boundaries.

 

Recheck 

The recheck (or fresh scrutiny) of ballot papers is conducted by a Returning Officer prior to determining the result of an election and/or prior to conducting a distribution of preferences. The recheck  is essentially a recount of the ballots. The basic purpose of the Recheck is to ensure that each formal ballot is assigned to the correct candidate,  to ensure that there are no informal ballots contained with the formal ones, to ensure that there are no formal ballots contained with the informal ones, to guarantee the total number of first preference votes for each candidate and to ascertain and prove the correct number of informal ballots. The Fresh Scrutiny/Recheck provides the appropriate proper basis to conduct, where necessary, a distribution of preferences. (Also see Fresh Scrutiny & Recount).

 

 

Recount 

A recount involves a formal review and count of all the votes counted in an election. Usually a recount is only conducted where the margin between candidates for election is extremely close. Typically, a recount could be sought by a candidate, or the Returning Officer could decide to conduct a recount of his/her own volition. In some instances, the recount could involve a review of ballot material beyond those ballots accepted into a count. Accordingly, depending upon governance requirements and the relevant circumstances, a recount count could also involve a review of the rejected votes as well as ballot material put to the count. 

 

Redistribution 

Redistribution represents the formal process of the revision of electoral boundaries. Inevitably the process applied, will be prescribed in legislation or regulations. Typically some “tolerance” or ‘quota” also will be applied with the objective of determining that the revised boundaries will contain a similar number of electors. This is to ensure that the level or amount of representation correlates with the level of population/number of electors. Redistribution is also sometimes referred to as “redistricting”. (Also see Boundary Commission and Gerrymander).

 

Redistricting 

See Redistribution above.

 

Referendum 

A Referendum is a vote taken by eligible voters to determine the level of support, or otherwise, on some issue, proposal or matter of policy. A referendum normally involves a “yes” or ‘no” vote being taken on an issue. The governance requirements that are pertinent will mandate the specific criteria to determine whether or not a referendum will be “carried” (or supported). In the Australian context any proposed alteration to the Australian Constitution must be put to the electors through a referendum. The Commonwealth Electoral and Referendum Regulations prescribe the processes that apply in the conduct of a federal referendum. For a Commonwealth referendum to be “carried”, the proposed alteration must have “double majority” support. This involves not only a national majority of electors voting in favour of the proposal, but also a majority of electors in a majority of the States. (Also see Double Majority).

 

 

Region 

See Electorate, Electoral District/Division, Province.

 

Reference Roll 

This is a copy of the Electoral Roll that is used to assist in determining enquiries regarding voter eligibility etc. It is most commonly used in polling booth/polling place operations in the context of Provisional Voting or other relevant form of Declaration Voting issuing. (Also see Declaration Voting and Provisional Voting).

 

Registered General Postal Voter/Registered Declaration Voter 

Electors who reside in remote areas or who possess a disability (or who are carers of persons with a disability) typically may “register;’ to become “registered general postal/declaration voters”. Approved registration confers the capacity for the elector to be referred ballot material directly (once ballot material is available) and without the need  for completion and submission of a postal vote application.

   

Registered Organisation(s)

A Union or Employer group formally registered under the federal Workplace Relations Act, (or the corresponding relevant State Act). Registered organisations generally must have their elections for official positions conducted by government electoral commissions.

 

Registrar 

The statutory title applied to the delegated officer responsible for maintaining and updating the (Australian) Commonwealth Electoral Rolls.

 

Regulations 

Procedural adaptations and supplementation to the provisions contained in Acts of parliament. The regulations usually contain greater detail and process descriptions. The regulations might also include details of relevant “prescribed forms”  that must be used in administering the various regulated processes.

 

Remote Area Mobile Polling 

A special service facility provided to enable electors in designated remote areas to cast their votes. In the case of remote area mobile polling, arrangements are made by the Returning Officer to provide the necessary material and personnel resources to enable voting to take place in accordance with specified pre-determined schedules. These arrangements involve the deployment of mobile polling teams who visit the designated communities either by air charter or four- wheel drive vehicle. (Also see Mobile Polling).

 

Representative 

An elected representative or member of parliament.

 

Representative Democracy 

A system of government where elected representatives of the people make laws and decisions on behalf of the people. “Government by the people, for the people, of the people”.

 

Republic 

A Republic is nation or country that has a President as the appointed head of State. The President could be elected directly by the people or be appointed by the relevant government.

 

Results 

In parliamentary/council elections, where polling is conducted predominantly on an attendance basis, the first results of the election will be counted by polling officials in the polling booths/polling places. Postal and pre-poll votes may also be counted by the Returning Officer from the time the polling booth counts take place. The polling booth results are transmitted (usually by telephone) to the Returning Officer. If there is a central “Tally Room” the results for a series of polling booths (places) will be transmitted by the Returning Officer at appropriate intervals.  In the days following polling day, the Declaration Votes received by a Returning Officer will be dealt with, and where relevant, ballots put to the count. Aggregations of the results are tallied to determine the overall results of the election. Depending upon the voting system used etc, preference distributions may be necessary to determine the final result. The election results will be placed in published statistical returns. The results of the election usually are announced by a Returning Officer at the Declaration of the Poll (a formal ceremony). 

In non-parliamentary elections, the results of the election are usually referred in written form to the relevant authority. The Secretary, or other delegated authority within the client organistaion, may be vested with the responsibility for declaring the poll .In elections for registered organisations, the results are also forwarded to the office of the Industrial Registrar.   

 

Return of the Writ

Following the conclusion of a General Election, the Writ (the formal authority for conducting the election), is returned to the Governor General (in the case of a federal election) and to the Governor (in the case of a State election), showing the details of each successful candidate in the election. 

 

Returning Officer 

The person formally appointed to conduct a ballot, election, referendum or plebisite.

 

Robson Rotation 

Robson rotation refers to a process where the names of candidates in a column (on a ballot) are rotated so that positions on the ballot are shared equally across candidates. This  process was initiated by a Tasmanian politician, Neil Robson.

 

Roll/Roll of Voters 

The Roll of Voters/Roll/ Electoral Roll/Voter database represents the list of persons eligible to vote in a ballot/election. In a parliamentary election, the voter roll is formulated from the relevant Electoral Roll. There is usually a defined cut-off or “closing date” for the electoral roll for a parliamentary/council election.  For other ballots/elections, the Roll of Voters will comprise the certified database of eligible members/employees etc. The governance requirements for some organisations will dictate a defined voter eligibility date or “cut-off”; however others will apply a “continuous” voter roll with additions and deletions to the voter roll being permitted to the latest practicable time. In electronic based ballots/elections,  for all practical purposes, the deadline for deletions to be applied to a “continuous” roll will be when the electronic /ballot/election actually goes live. (Also see Electoral Roll and Voter Database).

 

Run 

The act of contesting a ballot/election as a candidate.

 

Safe Seat 

A seat (electorate) (usually consistently) won at election by a candidate/political party and where the winning margin is substantial.

 

Scanning 

The term “Scanning” may apply in several contexts:  the review of markings on a voter roll(s), the validation or “preliminary scrutiny of votes, or in the counting of ballots. 

In Australian parliamentary/council elections,  the voter rolls (or certified lists) used in polling places and which have recorded in them, the details of ordinary voters who presented themselves at the polling booth (polling place) to vote. The recording of the ordinary voters who presented at the polling booth (polling place) takes the form of markings made by Issuing Officers, against the names of each relevant elector. Post polling day, the Certified Lists are parcelled by the Returning Officer’s staff and they are referred for  electronic scanning. This scanning process determines and produces reports of the lists of apparent non-voters, and apparent multiple voters.  

Scanning may also be applied to the validation or preliminary scrutiny (voter entitlement check) of declaration style votes. The return ballot envelopes may be bar-coded with the basic member /employee details of a voter. The bar code scanning operator will match other required authentication details, (perhaps a member /employee number and/ or PIN) with the details reported on a screen monitor relevant to the particular bar-code reading. Where the details match, the validation process is completed and the ballot contained within the declaration envelope may be counted. 

Scanning technology may also be utilised to read/collect data from votes cast by eligible voters and the results of the ballot/election are calculated electronically. The loading of vote data may be accomplished by  electronic scanning of ballots using either optical mark recognition (OMR) or optical character recognition (OCR) technology. (Also see Electronic Vote Counting).

 

Scrutineer 

A person formally appointed (usually be candidate) to represent the candidate’s (or an organisation’s) interests in the ballot/election process.  The governance requirements (if any) pertaining to scrutineering will be contained in an institution’s or organisation’s legislation, constitution, rules or By-laws. The rules of some organisations permit the Chief Executive Officer, the Chairman of the Board, or Board representatives, to appoint scrutineers. In a postal based ballot/election it is common for scrutineering practices/intervention to be permitted from the insertion/packaging /mailing of ballot material through to the count process. In attendance based parliamentary/council ballots/elections, scrutineering practice commences from the display of open/empty ballot boxes, through vote issue, to vote counting, re-checking and, if applicable, vote re-counting. The role of a scrutineer will involve the protection of their candidate’s personal interests. Accordingly, apart from a perspective of ensuring that due process has/is being followed, a basic objective of a scrutineer is to maximise the opportunity for the election of his/her candidate and to minimise the chances of election of other candidates. Where a preferential form of voting is applied, skilled scrutineer operatives will observe and note the flow of marked/selected preferences.

 

Scrutiny 

The scrutiny of ballots refers to the process of unfolding, sorting and counting of ballots. (Also see Fresh Scrutiny or Recheck).

 

Seat 

A seat is geographic electoral entity/constituency.  An elected member occupies a “seat” in parliament. The term may also refer to an Electoral District, an Electorate, a Division, Province or Electoral Province.. (Also see Electorate, Electoral District/ Division, Redistribution and Seat).

 

Secret Ballot 

Voting in secret/private without fear of intimidation. Australia was the first modern nation to adopt the principle of the secret ballot.

 

Senate 

The Senate is the upper house of the Australian parliament. In the Australian context there are 10 Senators for each State and two (2) Senators for each Territory. 

 

Shadow Ministry 

The elected members comprising the “opposition party” front bench (the opposition parliamentary leaders). The shadow ministry develops, reviews and promotes policy alternatives.

 

Silent Electors 

Special category electors who are permitted to enrol on the Commonwealth Electoral Roll, but their enrolled address details are suppressed from publication for reasons of privacy/security. 

 

Simple Majority 

A term related to the “first past the post” system of voting. The candidate who attains the highest number of votes in an election or ballot attains a   “simple majority” or “plurality” of votes and is elected. (Also see Absolute Majority, Plurality and Relative Majority).

 

Single Transferable Vote 

This is a form of proportional representation. Proportional representation is a system of voting  essentially designed to elect representatives in proportion to the amount of support each has in the constituency/electorate. Candidates effectively are elected in proportion to the number of votes they receive. This system typically is used where multiple candidates are to be elected.  Under single transferable vote,  voters mark/select preferences for candidates in the order of their choice. The rules/constitutions of some organisations might mandate that the ballots must be marked /selected fully preferentially, however the system equally applies in those situations where an optional preferential system of marking/selection is mandated.   Candidates must obtain a “quota” of votes to be elected.  A  “quota” commonly applied is the Droop Quota. The formula for this quota is the total number of formal first preference votes (in the count) divided by the number of candidates to be elected plus one, and then one is added to that quotient.  Any candidate achieving a quota is elected, and if they achieve surplus over the quota, then the value of those votes comprising the surplus are transferred on to continuing (unelected) candidates, but at a reduced value (called a transfer value). The transfer value derived from a surplus of first preference votes is calculated as the number of the candidate’s surplus votes divided by the total number of ballots with further preferences shown. Following the distribution of surplus votes from first preferences,  progressive totals are reviewed and any candidates achieving a quota are elected. Again, then the surplus votes of elected candidates are transferred on to continuing (unelected) candidates in accordance with a transfer value. However the transfer value applied in such circumstances is represented by the number of the elected candidate’s surplus votes divided by the number of ballots received at the last transfer. Where no candidate receives a surplus and there remain positions to be filled, then the candidate with the lowest standing in the count is excluded and his/her ballots are distributed in accordance with the preferences shown thereon,  to continuing candidates. The process of excluding candidates and/or distributing surplus votes continues until all positions are filled.  (Also see Hare –Clarke & Proportional Representation).

 

Speaker 

A member of parliament whose appointed role is to preside over parliamentary debates, and to control and enforce the rules for debate.

 

Special Hospital(s)

In Australian federal elections, selected convalescent /nursing homes are designated as “Special Hospitals”. Specially equipped and trained Mobile polling teams are appointed to visit and take the votes of patients in the Special Hospitals, and in accordance with specified schedules. The schedules and the visits are undertaken on the advice of relevant medical authorities at the establishments.  (Also see Declared Institutions, Electoral Visitors and Mobile Polling).

 

Spoilt Ballot 

A ballot on which an elector/voter makes a mistake in marking (but not a decision on a change in candidate selection) and the ballot is returned to the Issuing Officer polling official so that an replacement, unmarked ballot can be provided to the voter. Spoilt ballot papers are placed in special purpose and identifiable envelopes and are not included in the ballot count of votes. They do however form part of the reconciliation of the use of ballot papers by the polling officials.  Spoilt ballots should not be confused with “Discarded Ballots” which are those ballots found on the floor of polling booths (polling places) or in the rubbish receptacles within polling booths. (See also Discarded Ballots).

 

Strike Ballot 

In an Australian context, a Ballot ordered under the provisions of Sections 135 or 136 of the (Commonwealth) Workplace Relations Act 1996.

 

Strike-out Method 

A ballot making approach under the first past the post method, but where voters strike out the names of candidates for whom they do not wish to vote.

 

Subdivision 

The component geographic entities that comprise an (Australian)  federal  Electoral Division.

 

Suffrage 

The right of a person to vote in Elections.

 

Surplus 

In a proportional representation based voting system, the number of votes a candidate receives over the “quota”. Surplus votes are distributed to unelected continuing candidates according to the further preferences indicated thereon the relevant ballots. (Also see Single Transferable Vote).

 

Survey 

A poll conducted that registers voter, member, employee or general public opinion on various issues. Surveys may be conducted by paper-based,  telephone or other electronic means. The results of surveys are tabulated and reported applying various statistical methodologies.

 

Swing 

The percentage shift in vote required for a seat (constituency) to be won or lost, by an elected incumbent representative.

 

Swinging Voter 

A voter who does not demonstrate a steady pattern of voting for the same political party or group.

 

Tabulation 

The process of counting ballots.

 

Tally Room 

Usually applicable in the context of larger scale parliamentary elections, the actual accommodation used where the votes cast in an election are centrally tabulated, posted and released to the media and the public.

 

Term 

The amount of “sitting time” for a parliament between scheduled normal elections.

 

Third Party Certification 

The process by which an organisation might seek to have an election process audited by some independent person or body.

 

Transfer value 

Under a proportional representation system, the particular  value that a candidate’s surplus votes are distributed and allocated to continuing candidates. (Also see Hare Clarke, Proportional Representation and Single Transferable Vote).

 

Turnout 

Turnout represents the percentage of eligible electors/eligible members/employees who vote in a ballot or election. In non-compulsory elections for office, the turnout would normally be expected to be from 10% to 33%. In Certified Agreement/Enterprise Bargaining Ballots, turnout is usually 50% to 70%. In Australian (compulsory) federal elections, turnout is of the order 90% to 96%.

 

Two-Candidate Preferred Count 

Please refer to Two Party Preferred Count below.

 

Two Party Preferred Count 

This is an indicative sort and count of votes conducted in a polling place, once the first preference count in a parliamentary election has been completed. It’s primary purpose is to provide an indication of the likely election outcome by notionally distributing the preferences of minor candidates to the (anticipated) two major candidates. This count is sometimes referred to as the “Two Candidate Preferred Count” or “Notional Distribution of Preferences.” Government Electoral Commissioners determine the “major candidates”. (Also see Notional Distribution of Preferences).

 

Unicameral 

Having only one legislative chamber.

 

Uncontested Election 

The situation of having either an insufficient number, or just the requisite number, of eligible nominees nominating for the available number of vacant positions. 

 

Upper House 

The second house of parliament - in a bicameral parliament. The upper house is usually the Legislative Council in a State parliament, and the Senate (in the case of the Australian Commonwealth parliament).

 

Validation 

The process of validating a person’s entitlement to have their vote admitted to the count. Also referred to as “preliminary scrutiny”. Validation may involve, for example, the checking of voter signatures on declaration votes, the marking back of voters to the voter roll, the checking /verification of membership numbers etc. (Also see Preliminary Scrutiny and Scanning). Validation may be conducted by automated means or by means of electronic scanning.

 

Voluntary Voting 

Under systems of voluntary voting, eligible electors/eligible members/employees have a choice as to whether or not they exercise the franchise - their right to vote. (Also see Compulsory Voting).

 

Vote

The formal process by which an eligible voter participates in a ballot/election/referendum by marking/selecting candidate(s), issues, or proposals, (as the case may be),  but according to their free choice.

 

Voter 

The persons who participate by voting in an ballot/election/referendum.

 

Voter Database 

The list, electronic format, of persons deemed eligible to vote in a ballot/election/referendum. (Also see Roll/Roll of Voters).

 

Voter Roll 

See Voter database above and Roll/Roll of Voters.

 

Voting Compartment/Voting Screen 

These are a special cubicle in which eligible voters secretly cast votes in a ballot/election/referendum. Voting compartments are often manufactured of collapsible wood or cardboard construction to facilitate their transportation to/from polling booths/polling places. The number of screens provided in a poling booth will be a function of the anticipated turnout (the number of voters voting at the polling booth). In Australian elections, a fairly standard allocation is based upon approximately 150 voters per screen. Provision as to suitable voting facilities is also made in polling booths to ensure that the special needs of electors having a physical disability are also met.   

 

Voting Ticket 

Where provided, by way of Legislation, Constitution, Rules or By-laws, these “tickets” represent a formal written, printed statement of preferences lodged by candidates, by an approved electoral group or by a political party, and following the close of nominations and the draw for positions on the ballot (if any).  Voting Tickets are usually displayed within polling booths/polling places for the availability and perusal of electors. Candidates/parties attempt to maximise their opportunities for election by recommending in the  Voting Tickets (and through “how to vote cards”, the manner in which electors might mark their ballot(s).

(Also see Group Voting Ticket).

 

Westminster System 

The British parliamentary system  Australia’s parliamentary system has its basis in a Westminster system.

 

Writ

The formal, legal document authorising the conduct of an election. (Also see Return of the Writ).

 

© 2006 Australian Election Company     ABN: 58 635 903 913