Election help

The Victorian Electoral Commission has welcomed the Parliament of Victoria's Electoral Matters Committee report on voting centre accessibility, which makes 61 recommendations ahead of the state election on 28 November 2026.

The Victorian Electoral Commission has updated its determination on authorising electoral material, requiring regulated entities to name themselves on the material and giving voters clearer information about who is behind election communications.

Two candidates have nominated for Mornington Peninsula Shire's Briars Ward postal by-election; postal voting closes at 6 pm on 2 October 2026.

Six candidates have nominated for Greater Bendigo City Council's Lockwood Ward postal by-election; postal voting closes at 6 pm on 2 October 2026.

Eight candidates have nominated for Banyule City Council's Beale Ward postal by-election; postal voting closes at 6 pm on 2 October 2026.

A by-election will be held for Murrindindi Shire Council's Kinglake Ward in December 2026 after a councillor's resignation. It will be conducted entirely…

The Victorian state election is on Saturday 28 November 2026 and enrolment closes at 8 pm on Tuesday 3 November. Here is the official timeline.

Nominations for the Briars Ward by-election close at noon on 25 August 2026; postal voting closes 2 October.

Nominations for the Lockwood Ward by-election close at noon on 25 August 2026; postal voting closes 2 October.

Nominations for the Banyule Beale Ward by-election close at noon on 25 August 2026; voting will be by post.

The VEC declared Nikki Kaur elected in Kingston's Melaleuca Ward and referred postal-voting irregularities to the inspectorate.

The VEC is recruiting more than 25,000 casual staff for the 28 November 2026 Victorian state election.

VEC: Voting closes soon for Latrobe Morwell River Ward by-election. Return completed ballots by 6 pm deadline.

VEC reminds Kingston Melaleuca Ward voters voting closes soon. Return completed postal ballots by 6 pm deadline.

VEC: Voting closes soon for Wyndham Heathdale Ward by-election. Return postal ballots before 6 pm deadline.

A step-by-step guide for first-time voters: enrolment check, finding your electorate, voting methods, what to expect at a polling place and how to get help.

A guide to the different electoral rules at federal, state and local levels across Australia, covering enrolment, voting systems and ballot structures.

Compulsory voting creates a legal duty to enrol and vote. The AEC sends formal notices to apparent non-voters, who can respond with a valid reason.

Ballots sealed in envelopes so the AEC verifies enrolment before admitting them to the count. Includes absent, postal, early, mobile and provisional votes.

Election-night figures are partial. Declaration votes, close margins, mandatory recounts and preference distributions extend the timeline beyond polling day.

After 6 pm officials seal materials, reconcile papers and begin counting. Postal vote processing and preference distributions take days or weeks.

Scrutineers are candidates' representatives who observe vote counting for transparency. Their rights, limits, appointment process and legal framework.

A preference is not automatically wasted: its fate depends on the voting system, the count progression, and earlier preferences on the ballot.

A formal vote meets legal and ballot-paper requirements and enters the count. An informal ballot cannot be counted even if the voter's intention seems clear.

How the Senate vote count works: quota formula, surplus and preference transfers, above and below the line voting, and why results can take weeks.

How to fill in a Senate ballot below the line in federal elections: numbering rules, minimum 12 preferences, how the count works and avoiding common mistakes.

Instructions for completing the Senate ballot paper above the line, where numbering at least six boxes directs preferences according to the voter's choices.

One vote one value is a principle, not a mathematical guarantee. Electoral boundaries, enrolment tolerances and redistribution timing shape how it operates.

Number candidates in order of choice. The lowest is excluded and ballots flow to next preferences until one candidate passes 50%.

Number every box on the green ballot paper in your preferred order. Follow the official instructions on the paper, not social-media graphics.

If you mark a ballot paper incorrectly, return it to the polling official before placing it in the box. You will receive a fresh paper and can vote correctly.

Steps to take when your name is not on the electoral roll at a polling place: declaration votes, enrolment verification, and how to prevent it next time.

Voters can ask for help at polling places, including assistance for disability, language support, and someone to mark a ballot paper as directed.

Electoral commissions provide several accessibility pathways. Start with official guidance and contact the commission for any individual access barrier.

How to vote in federal elections from interstate or overseas: early voting centres, postal voting, overseas options, and key deadlines for travellers.

How to apply for a postal vote in Australian federal elections: eligibility, deadlines, completing the pack, witnessing requirements and return rules.

Early voting lets eligible electors cast a ballot before election day at designated centres, under grounds set out in the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918.

Step-by-step guide to entering, checking the roll, receiving ballot papers, marking them privately and depositing them at an Australian federal polling place.

Use the official AEC polling-place finder close to voting day. Venue lists change between elections so an old location is not reliable.

Independent committees redraw electoral boundaries using enrolment data, legal criteria and public submissions — not party preference or suburb lines.

Use the AEC online address lookup to identify your federal electorate. Boundaries and names can change through redistributions even when you have not moved.

Step-by-step federal election timetable: dissolution, writs, the roll, nominations, voting and return of writs, with official AEC and parliamentary sources.

Federal enrolment eligibility rules: age, citizenship, residency and statutory exceptions under the Commonwealth Electoral Act, administered by the AEC.

Check and update your federal electoral enrolment through the AEC when your details change. Never rely on an old polling card or unofficial lookup.

How to enrol to vote: eligibility criteria, ID requirements, online and paper options, checking your status, and state and local enrolment.

The VEC warns Mornington Peninsula voters in Briars Ward that enrolment for the October 2026 by-election closes at 4 pm on Wednesday 22 July 2026..

The VEC warns voters in Banyule City Council's Beale Ward that enrolment for the by-election closes at 4 pm on Wednesday 22 July 2026. Check now.

The VEC has announced a postal by-election for Bendigo City Council's Lockwood Ward in October 2026. Enrolment closes 4 pm Wednesday 22 July.

Ballot packs for the Wyndham City Council Heathdale Ward postal by-election have been mailed. Three candidates are contesting the seat. Voting.

Ballot packs are now in the mail for the Latrobe City Council Morwell River Ward by-election. Voting closes 6 pm Friday 31 July 2026. Check your.

Ballot packs for Kingston Melaleuca Ward by-election mailed 13 July. Return completed ballots by 6 pm 31 July 2026. Voting is compulsory.

The VEC has confirmed an October 2026 postal by-election for Banyule's Beale Ward after the resignation of Councillor Elizabeth Nealy. Key dates,.

Victorian political participants have until 9 July 2026 to disclose donations under the Electoral Further Amendment Act 2026 grace period. Who.

The VEC has received an application from I'm Voting to Avoid the Fine to register as a Victorian political party. Objections close 25 July 2026..

Thirteen candidates nominated for Kingston Melaleuca Ward postal by-election. Ballot packs mailed 13 July, voting closes 6 pm 31 July 2026.

Three candidates — Pippa Pace, Marcel Mahfoud, and Kim McAliney — have nominated for the Wyndham City Council Heathdale Ward postal by-election..

The VEC has announced five candidates for the Latrobe City Council Morwell River Ward postal by-election. Meet the candidates and learn how to.

Victoria's Electoral Further Amendment Act 2026 reintroduces donation disclosure after the High Court invalidated Part 12. Key obligations,.

Nominations open 15 June 2026 for the Wyndham City Council Heathdale Ward by-election, triggered by Cr Jennie Barrera's resignation. Candidates.

Candidate nominations for the Latrobe City Council Morwell River Ward by-election open on Monday 15 June 2026. The VEC is calling for candidates.

Candidate nominations open 15 June 2026 for Kingston Melaleuca Ward postal by-election. Close 12 noon 23 June. $250 fee, in-person lodgement required.