Blank votes and invalid votes

In addition to valid votes, there are blank votes and invalid votes. 

Blank vote

A blank vote means that the ballot paper is completely empty. This means that no circle has been colored in, either completely or partially, and nothing else has been written on the ballot paper. A blank vote counts towards the turnout for the election, but has no influence on the outcome of the election and the electoral quotient. Only votes cast for candidates count towards this. A blank vote does not therefore go to the largest party.

Invalid vote

A vote is invalid in the following cases:

• It is unclear who you are voting for, for example because you have colored in multiple circles.
• Something has been written on the ballot paper that could reveal your identity.
• No red dot was made, but the voter did write or sign on the ballot paper.
• The ballot paper has not been filled in with red ink.

An invalid vote also counts towards the turnout for the election, but does not affect the outcome of the election or the electoral quotient. Only votes cast for candidates count towards this.

If a voter makes a mistake when filling out their ballot paper, they return it to the chairperson. The chairperson renders this ballot paper unusable and gives them a new one (once).

Blank and invalid votes only count towards turnout.

Blank votes and invalid votes do not affect the outcome of the election, but they do count towards determining the turnout: the number of people who came to the polling station to vote. 

The polling stations and main polling stations shall record the number of blank votes and the number of invalid votes separately in the minutes of the meeting.

See also the information on the website of the Electoral Council.