A vote that is not counted because the ballot paper has not been completed according to electoral law. Jj Kk Ll
A ballot paper which has not been marked correctly. In the ACT, examples of informal votes include: a ballot paper with no first preference a ballot paper with two or more first preferences a ballot paper where the name of the voter can be identified.
A ballot paper which has been incorrectly completed or not filled in at all. Informal votes are not counted towards any candidate but are set aside.
A vote not counted in an election because it has been cast in such a manner as to violate the rules of counting. This may include the inappropriate use of a mark, failure to complete a preferential system appropriately (missing a number, incompletion) or being completed in an illegible manner. In addition, for postal voting environments, a vote may be considered invalid (informal) because it has arrived late or lacks the appropriate authentication (such as an envelope signature).
A ballot paper which is either left blank or is incorrectly marked. These ballot papers are excluded from the count and therefore do not contribute to the election of a candidate.
A vote which cannot contribute to the election of a candidate because the ballot-paper is not filled in or is marked incorrectly.
A vote at a General election, by-election or referendum that is not a disallowed vote but does not satisfy the clear intention test.