Obligation
Secret Ballot
International and regional treaties state that everyone has the right to cast their ballot in secret.[1] This includes people with disabilities.[2] Voting must be by secret ballot so that ballots cannot be linked with voters who cast them, and voters can cast their ballot without fear of intimidation.[3] Interpretive sources add that the secrecy of the ballot must be maintained throughout the entire electoral process.[4] A few sources indicative of state practice suggest that except in cases in which a voter is being lawfully assisted, a voter cannot waive his/her right to secrecy of the ballot.[5]
Relevant Election Parts
Issues
Protection of Ballot Secrecy
- Relevant Election Parts:
- Vote Counting and Tabulation
Regardless of the balloting method used, secrecy of the ballot was maintained throughout the electoral process, including during voting and tabulation. It was not possible to link cast ballots to specific voters during counting and tabulation
- The election should be held by secret ballot. [?]
- Secrecy of the ballot should be maintained throughout the entire voting process. [?]
The legal framework offered clear guidance on secrecy of the ballot throughout the election
The Content of Voter Education Campaigns
- Relevant Election Parts:
- Voter Education
Voter education efforts included information about all electoral rights, including equal suffrage, the right to vote and be elected, the right to an effective remedy, and the secret ballot
- Fulfillment of secrecy of the ballot is partially dependent on the extent to which voters understand this right. [?]
Secrecy of the Ballot
- Relevant Election Parts:
- Voting Operations
Family and group voting were prohibited
- Family/group voting should be prohibited. [?]
Polling stations were set up to ensure secrecy of the ballot
- Care should be taken to ensure the location of polling does not undermine the secrecy of the ballot. [?]
The legal framework offered clear guidance with regard to the secrecy of the ballot
- The election should be held by secret ballot. [?]
- Secrecy of the ballot should be maintained throughout the entire voting process. [?]
- The system for balloting (paper, electronic, or otherwise) should ensure the secrecy of a voter's choice. [?]
- Electoral legislation and its regulations should offer clear guidance with respect to the secrecy of the ballot. [?]
- Accommodations for voters with special needs should protect the right to vote secretly. [?]
Assisted Voting
- Relevant Election Parts:
- Voting Operations
Impartial assistance for voters unable to vote independently was provided
Proxy Voting
- Relevant Election Parts:
- Voting Operations
Proxy voting, if allowed, was strictly regulated
- Proxy voting should be strictly regulated to not compromise secrecy of the ballot. [?]
Deterrence of Fraud
- Relevant Election Parts:
- Voting Operations
Safeguards were in place to prevent multiple voting and other forms of ballot fraud
- Sensitive election materials should be stored securely throughout the voting process. [?]