Checking of ballot papers

Invalid ballot papers

A ballot paper is invalid if it is not marked with a party denomination (blank ballot paper), is marked with more than one party denomination or is clearly intentionally marked with a sign. In the vast majority of cases, invalid ballot papers are blank. It is extremely rare for ballot papers to be declared invalid for other reasons. In case there are two (or more) ballot papers in one envelope and the ballot papers are marked with different party denominations, these ballot papers will become invalid.

Ballot papers on which all names of candidates are disregarded

In certain cases, all names of candidates listed on a ballot paper are disregarded at count. It is a valid ballot paper, but only as a vote for the political party whose denomination is printed at the top of the ballot paper and thus counted as a party denomination ballot paper only. This ballot paper will not be included in the later stage of counting, in which seats are allocated to the candidates.

The names of candidates will be disregarded in the following cases:

  • In case a ballot paper with candidate names does not have a special box (Box) for personal vote.
  • In case a voter has marked two or more candidates.
  • In case the mark of a personal vote may have been made by a machine.
  • In case the order of the names is not evident.
  • In case there are two (or more) ballot papers in one vote envelope carrying the same party denomination but with a different list of candidates; or has been marked with different choices of personal vote.
  • In case a party denomination ballot paper for the Riksdag election carrying candidate names notified for a different constituency has been used.

Ballot papers on which specific candidate names are disregarded

The ballot paper is valid, but one or several names of candidates are disregarded.

  • In case a candidate is not eligible for an election (A check of residential registration is carried out on Election Day).
  • In case a candidate has been added to a ballot paper for a political party which has registered its denomination and given notification of the names of candidates.
  • In case a candidate name has not been notified of and is printed on a ballot paper for a political party which has registered its party denomination and given notification of the names of candidates.

Crossed out names of candidates

Even if the name of a candidate has been crossed out on a ballot paper, the name is not considered as disregarded, i.e. the crossing out does not in any way affect the ranking of the candidates.