Voters could also appear on the roll for general districts, but were prevented from voting in both their resident general district and the overlaying goldfields district. This meant that voters could vote tactically, if their candidate was unopposed—as James Hoskins was in the 1860 election—or their preferred candidate was assured of election, they could vote in the other electorate.
Voters were eligible for general districts but were forbidden from voting in both their resident district and the overlaying goldfields district. This provided voters with an opportunity to cast strategic votes, particularly when their candidate was uncontested—as James Hoskins was in the 1860 election—or if they believed their preferred candidate would win, they could vote elsewhere.