ALMOST 7,000 voting papers have been received in the beef ballot to determine whether the cattle transaction levy will be increased from $3.50 to $5 per head. Computershare is receiving 250 votes each day, with the ballot to close on Wednesday July 27. The ballot, commissioned by the Beef Industry Funding Steering Committee, is open to all levy payers, including cattle producers, traders and feedlotters. The number of votes feedlotters are entitled to is calculated on the number of cattle sold during the 2003-04 financial year. The committee recommended the levy increase and that it be used on additional market development and promotion.