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Electoral Act 1993

Elections - Offences at elections

200: Erasing and altering official mark on ballot paper

You could also call this:

"Don't alter or fake official marks on ballot papers or you could get a fine."

Illustration for Electoral Act 1993

If you erase or alter any official mark on a ballot paper, you can get a fine of up to $2,000. You must not put any writing or print on a ballot paper that could make people think it was done by an official. This is against the law and you will be punished if you do it.

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This page was last updated on

View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM310076.

Topics:
Government and voting > ElectionsCrime and justice > Criminal law
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Part 6Elections
Offences at elections

200Erasing and altering official mark on ballot paper

  1. Every person shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $2,000 who erases, obliterates, or alters any official mark, stamp, or writing on any ballot paper, or places thereon any writing, print, or other matter which might lead persons to believe that it was put thereon by any official or person duly authorised in that behalf.

Notes
  • Section 200: amended, on , by section 413 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 (2011 No 81).
  • Section 200: amended, on , by section 70 of the Electoral Amendment Act (No 2) 1995 (1995 No 61).