Why We Put an ‘X’ Instead of a ‘Tick’ When We Are Voting

By
Zhi Hao
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Ever wonder why we draw an ‘X’ instead of a ‘tick’ every voting session? Well…

We might just have the answer to that.

In this article, we shall explore the (immensely complex) reasoning behind the favoured implementation of the ‘X’…

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And discuss at ‘length’ about just why that is so.

Why We Put an ‘X’ Instead of a ‘Tick’ When We Are Voting

Before you ask, no it’s not just a Singaporean thing;

Human beings all around the world choose to use an ‘X’ instead of a ‘tick’.

But why, you ask. After all, aren’t returning officers technically required to accept any other form of the vote as long as the voter makes a clear indication?

Well, it seems that the practice has more to do with tradition than anything else.

According to the Elections Department of Singapore, marking an ‘X’ is a convention that’s present in many countries, including the United Kingdom and Canada. As it has been a long-running practice, voters have also become accustomed to the ‘X’ routine.

Image: eld.gov.sg

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The Best Way Not To Void Your Vote

According to foreign sources, an ‘X’ in the box is also deemed to be the best way of ensuring that your vote is not voided.

This is perhaps due to the conventional notion mentioned above, which relates ‘X’ to a clear indication.

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A ‘tick’, on the other hand, may prove ambiguous and might require the returning officer to have a decisive discussion with the candidates first before a consensus can be reached.

Self-Inking Pen

Also, it tells a lot when the government has a Self-inking ‘X’ Pen for such occasions.

According to the Elections Department of Singapore, the pen allows voters to indicate their choices clearly and efficiently. The self-inking pens are provided at the polling booths.

As any mark outside the boxes is ignored, one should make sure to mark an ‘X’ in the box (for the candidate/group of candidates of his/her choice).

And there you have it folks; the hidden meaning behind the X in the box. With that said…

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Let’s have a safe and smooth election ahead! 🙂

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Zhi Hao
Email: [email protected]