EA Ballot Voting Integrity

EA BALLOT VOTING INTEGRITY

CONCERNS ABOUT ENVELOP BAR CODE

A number of questions have been forwarded to unions regarding the use of a bar code on the return envelope for the ballot. The returning officer has advised in writing that the “The bar code or serial numbers – single and only purpose, is to find the voter on the roll and ensure a returned envelop has been received”.

A copy of the letter from the Returning Officer is attached for your information.

Please note this method of ensuring there is no voter fraud (people attempting to vote more than once) is standard operating procedure for all ballots including ballots for union elections, protected action ballots and postal ballots to elect parliamentary representatives.

It is no different from being required to have your name marked off the roll at a polling booth.

The returned envelopes are randomly collected into lots of 50 and placed in a secure ballot box until the close of the ballot. On the day of the count the envelopes are opened by a machine and the envelop is placed face down and the ballot paper is removed and separated. The envelopes and ballot papers are not kept together. The count takes place in a separate area with approved observers. The CRU has been asked to provide scrutineers to oversee the final count.

It is important that unfounded rumours do not deflect from everyone’s responsibility to vote their preference in this very important ballot.

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT EVERY UNION MEMBER VOTES.

It is vitally important that every member’s view be heard and counted. Whether you want to vote your Agreement “up” or “down”, it is critical your vote and your views are recorded. Leaving your decision for someone else to make is not an option, because only you can clearly express your views.

Failing to vote sends a message that you don’t care and this is not a message we should be sending to either management or the Government.

It is expected that the result of the ballot will be known within three days of the close of the ballot on Wednesday, 17 September 2014.

If you do not receive a ballot paper, you must contact one of the following addresses:

To view a copy of letter from Senior Returning Officer, please click the link below.

http://www.rtbu-nsw.asn.au/multiattachments/7236/DocumentName/CRU_Bulletin_No.34-08.09.2014.pdf