<div>Yes, I agree there should be a mechanism in place that allows voters to spoil their ballot paper, should they wish to do so. The number of spoiled ballots should be recorded. <br></div><div><br></div><div>I would consider it improper for anyone, be they ICANN staff or a member of our community, to contact a voter about the contents of their ballot paper and to insinuate that they may have voted in an improper manner. If indeed it is possible to determine the number of 'invalid' ballot papers before the election is over, and who has cast a vote in such a manner, I am surprised this is the case.<br></div><div><br></div><div>- Ayden<br></div><div class="protonmail_signature_block "><div class="protonmail_signature_block-proton protonmail_signature_block-empty"><br></div></div><div><br></div><blockquote class="protonmail_quote" type="cite"><div>-------- Original Message --------<br></div><div>Subject: Re: *Important* NCSG 2016 Annual Elections - Voting rules<br></div><div>Local Time: August 24, 2016 8:38 PM<br></div><div>UTC Time: August 24, 2016 7:38 PM<br></div><div>From: rjw@ITSMYINTERNET.ORG<br></div><div>To: NCSG-DISCUSS@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU<br></div><div><br></div><div>On Wed, 24 Aug 2016, Tapani Tarvainen wrote:<br></div><div>
<br></div><div>
> Hi Sam,<br></div><div>
><br></div><div>
> The entire ballot would be invalid.<br></div><div>
><br></div><div>
> It was rather strongly argued that people should have a way<br></div><div>
> of invalidating their ballot if they want to, and this remains<br></div><div>
> the way to do it.<br></div><div>
><br></div><div>
> -- <br></div><div>
> Tapani Tarvainen<br></div><div>
<br></div><div>
hi Tapani,<br></div><div>
<br></div><div>
could it be shared with the membership the rather strong argument mentioned<br></div><div>
above?<br></div><div>
<br></div><div>
should not this mechanism be explained in the voting instructions as well<br></div><div>
as the other voting options?<br></div><div>
<br></div><div>
if one takes this option and invalidates the ballot, will this be recorded<br></div><div>
in the election results?<br></div><div>
<br></div><div>
thanks for reaching a compromise, although i cannot agree with Milton's<br></div><div>
assertion that this satisfies everyone.<br></div><div>
<br></div><div>
-ron<br></div></blockquote><div><br></div>