VOTERS marking a tick outside designated circles on ballot papers were told yesterday they would be casting invalid votes.

The warning came from the Electoral Affairs Commission chairman, Mr Justice Woo Kwok-hing. Votes for geographical constituencies have to be made by drawing a tick inside the circle opposite the list of one's choice. The final decision would be made by the returning officer, he said.

Mr Justice Woo said the Electoral Affairs Commission had yet to decide if it would recover costs from election candidates who had withdrawn but who had used the Government's free mailing service.