Method of Giving Prefrences & Grounds for invalid ballot paper

Please place on the ballot paper the number 1 (in Arabic or Roman numerals or in Words) in the square opposite the name of the candidate for whom you desire to vote.  You may, in addition, place the number 2 or the numbers 2 and 3 or the numbers 2, 3 and 4 and so on (in Arabic or Roman numerals or in Words), in the squares opposite the names of other candidates in order of your preference up to the maximum number of preferences i.e. (Total Number of Candidates).  You may, however, put a cross, i.e. `X’ mark in the square(s) opposite the name(s) of candidate(s) to whom you do not desire to vote].

Grounds for declaring a ballot paper invalid.

A ballot paper shall be invalid: −

            (a)       if a voter signs his name or writes any word or figure upon it or makes any mark including a tick (ü)/ cross (x), not being a mark of `x’ put under last sentence of the instructions overleaf, upon it by which the ballot paper becomes recognizable or by which the voter can be identified; or

            (b)       if it is not printed by or under the authority of the Returning Officer or it is different in any manner from the ballot papers printed by the Returning Officer; or

            (c)       if number 1 (in Arabic or Roman numerals or in words) is not marked on it; or

            (d)       if number 1 (in Arabic or Roman numerals or in words) is set opposite the name of more than one candidate; or

            (e)       if number 1 (in Arabic or Roman numerals or in words) and some other numbers are put opposite the name of the same candidate; or

            (f)        if it is unmarked or the marks made are void or cannot be unambiguously determined; or

            (g)       if it is so damaged or mutilated that its identity as a genuine ballot paper cannot be established.