TEC Apologise Over Ballot Paper Bungle

Media release – Tasmanian Electoral Commission, 6 March 2024

Stock error identified in one batch of Lyons ballot papers

Following the commencement of the early voting period on Monday 4 March, an issue with the production of ballot papers for the division of Lyons was identified, which may impact up to 20 postal voters.

Ballot paper stock is produced in advance of an election, commencing as plain white paper, with a security colour wash applied. A different colour is used for each of the five divisions.

An initial batch of ballot papers for postal and pre-poll voting was produced over the weekend. At one pre-poll centre on Monday, it was identified that one ballot paper for the division of Lyons had not received the TEC security wash.

An investigation into this printing issue, conducted in collaboration with the printer involved, found that one batch of ballot paper stock used for this division was affected. Approximately one in every 100 sheets in this batch did not receive the required colour wash. This batch was immediately quarantined.

A full audit of Lyons ballot papers in pre-poll centres was conducted and a small number of unwashed (white) papers were identified, removed and quarantined.

Prior to the issue being identified, all 1,997 General Postal Voters (GPVs) in Lyons were posted ballot paper material on Monday. Therefore, it is possible that approximately 20 of these ballot papers may not have received the appropriate security wash.

A team has been established to contact those who may be affected. Email and SMS messages are being sent and some electors will be contacted by phone.

Electors who are affected will be issued replacement ballot packs and made aware of the alternative voting services that are available, depending on their location. All 46 identified overseas electors will immediately be issued a secondary ballot pack and also informed of the telephone voting option that is available to them.

While this error may affect a small number of electors, the TEC takes the issue very seriously. The Electoral Commissioner unreservedly apologises and is especially concerned to ensure that no electors are disenfranchised as a result of this printing error.