Minor parties are threatening legal action after being omitted from the “above-the-line” section of the electronic ballot for the New South Wales election. About 19,000 votes were received before the NSW Electoral Commission realised the Animal Justice Party and the Outdoor Recreation Party had been left off the top section. In a preferential system, it is a major concern. Voters who do not wish to number their preferences can take the easy option and just write “1” next to the party they favour – above the line.
The NSW Electoral Commission paused voting for about five hours while it sorted out the glitch.
“The iVote Legislative Council ballot paper now correctly shows group voting squares for Groups B and C. We apologise for any inconvenience,” a statement on the website said.
Despite the error, all 19,000 votes received before the fix will still be accepted.
Full Article: Legal action considered over online voting glitch | Northern Star.