Electoral Act 1907

This section applies if —

a ballot paper is marked in accordance with section 98D or 98E; and

one or more numerals are placed in above‑the‑line squares on the ballot paper in relation to groups of candidates (each group being a preferenced group).

The ballot paper is taken to have been marked as if, instead of the numerals referred to in subsection (1)(b) —

each candidate in a preferenced group was given a different numeral starting from 1; and

candidates in a preferenced group were given numerals consecutively, starting with the candidate whose name on the ballot paper is at the top of the group and ending with the candidate whose name is at the bottom of the group; and

the order in which candidates in different preferenced groups are given numerals is worked out by reference to the order in which the groups were given numerals on the ballot paper, starting with the group marked 1; and

when all the candidates in a preferenced group have been given numerals, the candidate whose name is at the top of the next preferenced group is given the next consecutive numeral.