http://disqus.com/by/EmilyGale/enMon, 13 Oct 2008 10:31:02 -0000http://ikennedy.tumblr.com/post/54042848#comment-3022191<p>Hello - Rhona and Hugh here (Emily's parents) ,<br>An interesting point is raised with the citing of section 167 (2) (a) and is well taken. We would like to offer the following additional thoughts on the matter. We need to point out that we are not lawyers but only interested citizens. The Canada Elections Act can be found on the Department of Justice website for your information and interest.</p><p>Section 167 (2)(a) of the Elections Act, on prohibitions, deals with altering, defacing or destroying a ballot. Section 151 (1 )(b) states that you must mark the ballot with a cross or other mark in the circular space opposite the name of the candidate of your choice.</p><p>According to Section 152 (1), a spoiled ballot is actually a ballot that has been damaged in some manner inadvertantly by the elector. The ballot is returned to the deputy returning officer at the polling station, who places it in an envelope specifically for spoiled ballots and re-issues a new ballot to the elector.</p><p>The term "spoiled ballot" is used broadly (although inaccurately in terms of the Act) to mean a ballot that has not met the terms stated in 151 (1)(b), regarding marking within the circle, and therefore cannot be counted. It is not proper to write comments on the ballot (Oh Canada), to draw things on the ballot (happy faces) or otherwise deface the ballot by scratching things out. A ballot is not counted (inaccurately termed "spoiled") when the strict terms of filling in the circle are not adhered to. Making a mark outside of the circle, or not filling in a circle, considers it a spoiled or uncounted ballot. You do not have to mark anything on a ballot, if you do not wish to. However, that leaves it open to someone else using your ballot. In our opinion, it would be better to fill it out improperly than leave it blank.</p><p>It is, of course, always better to vote for a candidate, chosen from either a local or a party perspective. Another option for a protest vote may be the Rhino party, or other such groups if they are running a candidate. Above all else, it is your right and duty as a Canadian citizen to participate in the voting process on October 14th.<br></p>EmilyGaleMon, 13 Oct 2008 10:31:02 -0000http://ikennedy.tumblr.com/post/54042848#comment-3007351<p>I agree- this would be a really difficult crime to enforce. Unless someone rips up their ballot and causes a scene, how would they know? No one sees your ballot in relation to you. They would only know which polling location it came from because of the officers initials on the ballot, but how many people vote at one location? Enough that you would be pretty inconspicuous.<br></p>EmilyGaleSun, 12 Oct 2008 09:58:20 -0000http://ikennedy.tumblr.com/post/48107868#comment-1940638<p>Next project is a head board....right???</p>EmilyGaleSun, 31 Aug 2008 12:20:58 -0000