Glossary

GLOSSARY - N

Nomination

The process by which a person applies to become a candidate for election.

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Notional Distribution of Preferences

An indicative sort and count of votes following the Primary Vote Count under the preferential system. The Primary Vote Count and Notional Distribution of Preferences are both conducted at the polling place once polling has closed.

A notional distribution of preferences anticipates the flow of preferences of minor candidates to the two major candidates, who are designated by the Electoral Commissioner. The ballot papers of the minor candidates are examined and each ballot paper is allocated to whichever of the two major unexcluded candidates has the LOWEST number (and therefore the highest preference) opposite their name.

In districts where several candidates are predicted to poll strongly, it may be necessary to conduct more than one notional distribution.

The notional distribution gives a quick two-party preferred result that is usually an early indicator of the final election result. In districts where the final result will be close, a notional count is a useful indicator of the degree of urgency or the necessity for a re-count of votes. It does not take the place of the full distribution of preferences, which can only occur after all of the early, absent and provisional votes have been received and final determinations of formality made of questionable votes.

The notional distribution of preferences was first introduced to a count by the Western Australian Electoral Commission for the by-elections in the Fremantle and Maylands electoral districts on 26 May 1990. It has subsequently proved to be a reliable predictor, even when the final result is close.

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