Paper Ballots
When ballot boxes are opened and ballot papers counted for the first time at the first stage of the counting process for paper ballots, authorized witnesses are often given the right to challenge whether a ballot paper is genuine or whether it has been correctly allocated to a candidate or party.
Usually, the counting officer in charge of the vote counting has the power to rule on disputed ballot papers, or ballot papers can be set aside so that a more senior electoral official can rule on them at a later time.
Similarly, if ballot papers are recounted at a regional or central counting centre, someone may again challenge decisions taken during the count. At this stage it is usually possible to reverse a decision on a disputed ballot paper made at an earlier count.
Mechanical and Computerised Ballots
Where mechanical or computerized voting methods are used, representatives of a political party or candidate should have the right to inspect audit trails and any source documents used, and have the opportunity to challenge any alleged irregularities.
The methods of disputing ballot papers at this stage of the count will vary from place to place. In many cases challenges may be made verbally. In some circumstances, it may be desirable to have a more formal written process.
Where ballot papers are set aside for the decision of a more senior officer at a later time, these ballot papers should be separately bundled and clearly labelled, so that they can be identified later. These bundles of disputed ballot papers may also be kept separate so that a court or tribunal can rule on them if necessary.
The categories of individuals able to challenge a counting decision will also vary. Representatives of candidates and/or parties are often given the right to challenge the counting process.
