National Electoral Education Centre – Canberra

Updated: 3 July 2012

On arrival
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An experienced electoral educator guides all participants through their visit to the National Electoral Education Centre
Theatrette
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A multimedia presentation introduces participants to Australia's parliamentary democracy
DEAZone activity – many ways to vote
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Teacher and students learn about 'Types of Voting' in the DEAZone (Discovering Electoral Activities Zone).
DEAZone activity – voting information
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Senior secondary students discover more about 'Voting' in the DEAZone
DEAZone activity – stages in an election
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Learning through doing – students in the interactive DEAZone
DEAZone activity – accessing the electoral roll
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Going 'online' to see the electoral roll
Polling Place – ballot paper issue
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Students become the polling officials and everyone votes in an election
Polling Place – secret ballot
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Your vote is secret at the National Electoral Education Centre
Polling Place – casting a vote
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Young voters become familiar with the process by using authentic polling place equipment.

Conveniently located in the heart of the Canberra parliamentary triangle, the National Electoral Education Centre (NEEC) is a fun and interactive way to learn about Australia's electoral system.

The Experience

During a visit to the NEEC participants will have an opportunity to:

Enjoy a spectacular multi-media presentation on the history of democracy and elections in Australia in a purpose-built theatrette
Enhance their knowledge of the electoral process through hands-on activities in our Discovery Zone
Vote in an election and experience first-hand the electoral process and allocation of preferences.

This slideshow will start automatically, but you can control it by using the arrows on either side of each slide. If you are having difficulty viewing this presentation, a transcript is available.

Indigenous disclaimer

Curriculum links

All programs are conducted by an experienced Electoral Educator and provide curriculum links to units on Democracy, Civics and Citizenship and courses in Australian Studies, Politics and Legal Studies.

Our Programs

The NEEC offers a range of programs designed to suit various ages and interests. You can choose from:

House of Representatives – highlights preferential voting and explores the concept of representation in the House of Representatives and the Senate. Participants vote in a House of Representatives election scenario and count the votes. Suitable for all age groups.
Referendum – explores the concept of Constitutional change with participants voting in a referendum scenario and counting the votes. Suitable for all age groups, especially participants who have prior electoral knowledge.
Senate – highlights proportional representation and explores the concept of representation in the Senate and House of Representatives. Participants vote in a Senate election scenario and count the votes. Suitable for senior secondary, tertiary and adult groups.
Eligible Elector – specifically designed for young people / adults who are soon to be (or are already) eligible voters. The concept of representation in the Senate and House of Representatives is explored and the voting process and scrutiny for both the House of Representatives and the Senate are illustrated. Suitable for senior secondary, tertiary and adult groups.
Personalised Election – provides for a "real" election, e.g. Student Representative Council, with an emphasis on the House of Representatives voting process using a personalised election scenario. Suitable for all ages, but conditions apply – please consult NEEC staff.

Booking details

All sessions are of 90 minutes duration and commence at half hourly intervals from 8am to 4pm (Mon-Fri).
Special sessions may be arranged outside the above times where possible. Please ring the NEEC Bookings Officer to discuss – 1800 020 067.
Sessions are free-of-charge and each visiting group is also provided with an electoral education resource pack.
BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL and group sizes are strictly limited. Please refer to our Group Size & Booking Policy.

Contact Details