Ballot papers by the balls

In the wake of the lost votes saga in WA and the unexpected rise of micro-parties and donkey voters as a political force, much attention has been given to electoral processes.  It is in this context that a couple of eminent members of the legal establishment have sent me a copy of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 – SECT 213. It makes for hilarious reading. Under the heading ‘Determination of the order of names’ is a beautifully convoluted piece of surreal beat poetry explaining how the order of candidates on a ballot paper should be decided.

Here’s a snippet:

 This goes on for nineteen paragraphs covering two whole pages. Gather the family around the fireplace and recite the whole thing here. If you’ve spotted any other such literary masterpieces, please send them our way.