Possible Alternatives
Alternative models for counting absentee ballots include:
- counts take place in the voting station at which absentee ballots were issued;
- absentee ballots from all voting locations returned to a central point for counting;
- absentee ballots from all voting locations despatched to the voting station where each absentee voter appears on the normal voters list;
- absentee ballots from all voting locations returned to a central point in each electoral district for counting.
Issues to Consider
The method adopted would depend on:
- the organisational structure and management strengths of the electoral management body--where there is a strong local presence and good control systems, return of ballots to a local level for counting is more feasible;
- logistical abilities to return absentee ballots to a single, a limited number or a large number of locations for counting;
- the method adopted for determining absentee voters' eligibility to vote;
- the ability to maintain transparency if absentee ballots are counted at locations distant from the electoral district for which they were cast, which may prevent party or candidate representatives for the relevant election from attending.
Where special absentee voters lists are compiled and used at a limited number of locations, counting at absentee voting locations can be more feasible. Where absentee votes are issued without the requirement for prior special registration or certification of the voter's eligibility, checking voter eligibility and counts would not be feasible at voting stations, and would be better undertaken at regional or central locations.
(For further information on counting of absentee ballots, see Consolidating Voting Results.)
