Electoral (Voter's Choice) Amendment Bill 2019

Overview

This bill sought to reintroduce optional preferential voting for Queensland state elections. Under the proposed system, voters could mark just their first choice candidate without having to number every box on the ballot paper. This bill was introduced by a non-government member and lapsed at the end of the 56th Parliament without becoming law.

Who it affects

All Queensland voters would have gained more flexibility in how they complete their ballot papers, with less risk of accidentally casting an informal vote.

Key changes

• Voters could mark only one candidate with a '1', tick, or cross instead of numbering all candidates
• Optional additional preferences could be numbered (2, 3, etc.) but would not be required
• Ballot papers would carry updated instructions reflecting the new voting options
• Votes would 'exhaust' and drop out of counting if preferences ran out before a winner was determined