[dotti34]

In answer to your question, Margaret, once they have checked off your name from the Electoral Roll (and asked you if you have voted anywhere else that day - as if once isn't enough!!!!) it is up to the voter to write what he/she likes on the paper. You don't have to show any identification, so it is an honesty thing (which is more than can be said of a lot of the politicians). Then you put the papers in closed boxes.
Apparently there are some very funny - and yes, some very rude - things written on the voting papers at times, as you can imagine. Of course this makes that vote null and void.
I did once just put a line through the lot of them as I was so fed-up with all parties and I went home feeling right chuffed with myself. But after I had given it some thought I realised that no-one would know of my little protest except me. So what was the point. Now I do try to vote properly.
Compulsory or otherwise - doesn't improve the way the Country is run.....