Unbiased ballot papers

The form of ballot papers should not confer any advantage on any candidate or candidates relative to other candidates. There must be a ``level playing field'' in order to ensure the result of the election reflects the wishes of the voters without distortion. There are two main ways this principle may be violated.

• The first is by fixing a single order for candidates on the ballot paper, allowing candidates at the top the advantage of the donkey vote; this should be eliminated by Robson Rotation -- printing ballot papers in batches of equal size each of which lists the candidates' name in a different order.
• The second is by allowing Group Voting Tickets. This is a much more serious way electoral results are distorted. We believe it poses the most serious threat to responsiveness of the Legislative Council with a new electoral system. It must be avoided.