"In all fairness, and for true democracy, allow everyone to have their name above the line."Erm.
Two or more candidates may form a group. Where there are 15 or more candidates in a group, they can request that a group voting square be printed on the ballot paper to be used for ‘above the line’ voting. A group of 14 or less cannot request a group voting square....just in case you were wondering what she was on about.
Where 15 or more candidates from a registered political party request to form a group on the ballot paper the party name or abbreviation will be printed below the group voting square. The party name or abbreviation will also be shown ‘below the line’ below each candidate’s name.
If there are less than 15 candidates the party may still request to form a group on the ballot paper, however they are not entitled to a group voting square and the party name or abbreviation will not appear ‘above the line’. Candidates’ names will appear ‘below the line’ with the party name or abbreviation.
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A group of 15 or more candidates not nominated by a registered political party may form a group on the ballot paper. They can request a group voting square be shown ‘above the line’, however the group cannot be identified ‘above the line’. The word ‘Independent’ cannot be shown below the group voting square or against candidates’ names ‘below the line’.
Not that there's any good reason any group of fifteen people who can get their shit together to register as a group ticket on the Legislative Council ballot, but can't get their shit together to register as a political party at least twelve months prior to the election (which in New South Wales is held after a fixed term), shouldn't be allowed a group name, except, of course, that if they were, almost none of the minors would bother registering as a political party.