Validity of blank ballots in Chile: a critical review

Abstract

During the last decades a growing interest has emerged over the meaning and value of the blank ballot. The latter is no longer seen merely as an unexpressed electoral preference but as sign of protest and of political discontent. In this context, comparative experiences show a clear trend towards an institutional recognition of such discontent and allowing its official and unequivocal articulation in electoral processes. Chile might join this trend by virtue of a recently drafted constitutional amendment project to recognise validity to blank ballots in popular elections (Boletín 11453-07). This research critically discusses such project from a theoretical viewpoint, in light of its potential impact on political pluralism, electoral participation and the governance of political parties.