Voting Papers

Sir,—In response to your inquiry concerning numbers on ballot papers for Exec. elections. I have made some inquiries which confirm my own impressions. The numbers are used solely for the purpose of identifying votes in the case of disputes. The practice of numbering the papers is used in general and municipal elections. Admittedly, the type of dispute that arises in a Parliamentary election is not very likely to arise at Victoria, but the value of this precautionary measure may be realised at some future date.

I think I can assure members that the secrecy of the ballot is preserved and that the numbers are not used for any other purpose.—Yours faithfully.

M. J. O'Brien.