Donkey Votes Donkey votes are one of the most misunderstood features of the compulsory preferential voting system. It should not be confused with informal voting. Definition: A donkey vote occurs when an elector simply numbers the ballot paper from top to bottom (or bottom to top) without regard to the logic of the preference allocation. A donkey vote is counted as a valid vote because it contains a number “1” and has numbered every square in sequential order.