But some countries, including Spain, Ukraine and Greece, recognize these types of ballots, better known as “none of the above” or “scratch” ballots. If “none of the above” selections are in the majority, a fresh vote may be held for the office. Or it could be filled by appointment, or simply remain vacant.

In Australia, where voters are required to rank candidates in order of preference, “donkey voting” is a form of protest or apathy where the voter simply ranks the candidates in numerical order, regardless of preference.

Writing in candidates not on the ballot is popular in the U.S. It’s rumored that a cat named Stubbs won the mayoral seat of Talkeetna, Alaska, in 1997, written in by voters disgusted with human politicians. In fact, it’s only an honorary position; the town has no official mayor.

Des Shoe contributed reporting.

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