Claims booth staff confused voters over new Senate voting procedure

VOTERS already struggling to understand a new Senate ballot process could be confused by wayward instructions from staff at Tasmanian polling booths, an analyst says.

VOTERS already struggling to understand a new Senate ballot process could be confused by wayward instructions from electoral commission staff at Tasmanian polling booths, an analyst says.

It might be weeks before Tasmanians learn the distribution of votes for the upper house, with both major parties and independents sweating on the outcome for better-known candidates such as Labor’s Lisa Singh who needs strong support below the line to remain in parliament.

But analyst Kevin Bonham has warned some candidates may have lost support after reports voters had been led astray.

“There have been reports some staff are telling people to vote for six parties above the line or 12 candidates below the line in the Senate and not using the magic words ‘at least’,” Dr Bonham said on his blog.

“Some staff have even been reported as saying ‘only’ this number of boxes.”

Voters can number as many boxes as they want below the line – as long as there are a minimum of 12 – and the more numbers, the stronger the power of the vote.

Senator Singh, who was relegated to the last – and seemingly unwinnable – position on Labor’s Tasmanian ballot paper, needs people to vote below the line for a shot at remaining in parliament.

“A lot of people have told me they’re going to vote below the line,” Senator Singh said before casting her vote.

Labor Senator Lisa Singh casts her vote. Picture: AAP

“I think this is going to be an interesting outcome for the Senate. It’s the first time we’ve had new voting rules in some 35 years.”

In Tasmania the major parties are tipped to win four Senate seats each, with the Greens keeping two and Jacqui Lambie expected to retain her spot in the Upper House and maybe reach a second quota.

“It’s up to Tasmanians – it’s their big day to make their voices heard,” Senator Lambie told ABC-TV.

“I’m hoping they will give Tasmania the opportunity to have the balance of power ... that way we can deliver more for Tasmania.”

Liberal Senator Eric Abetz, who is guaranteed re-election as No.1 on the party’s ticket, does not expect Tasmania’s Senate count to be finalised until the end of July.

The veteran Tasmanian politician, who lost his cabinet spot and role as government leader in the Upper House when Malcolm Turnbull took the prime ministership, is confident the Coalition will retain power in the lower house.

“I’m nervous about the result [but] hopeful we will win,” Senator Abetz said.

Analysts expect one of Tasmania’s three Liberal seats – Lyons – to fall to Labor, while independent MP Andrew Wilkie is expected to retain Denison and the ALP’s Julie Collins should be safe in Franklin.