image showing electoral-boundaries

Redrawing electoral boundaries: Australia’s independent process

Redistributions occur to maintain 'one vote, one value’ as population changes. Set criteria, the transparency of each process and independent panels are all critical aspects.

The AEC is a secretariat. An independent Redistribution Committee releases a proposal before an expanded independent body determines final names and boundaries. Each process has several rounds of public input. All submissions are published with reports outlining reasons for every decision.

Redistributions are underway in NSW, VIC, WA & NT now.

Ballot-papers

Preferential voting

The preferential voting system used for the House of Representatives means that multiple counts of ballot papers occur to determine who has acquired an absolute majority of the total votes (more than 50% of formal votes). It is a similar process for the Senate however, each Senate contest will elect multiple representatives where multiple counts of ballot papers occur to determine which candidates have achieved the required quota of formal votes to be elected.

During the counting process, votes are transferred between candidates or parties according to the preferences marked by voters. In the House for example, if your first preference of candidate isn’t elected, your vote moves to your next preference and so on.

See more.

Disinformation register

DISINFORMATION
Ongoing

Election timing

The AEC doesn't get advanced notice of election timing.

DISINFORMATION
Ongoing

Pens/Pencils

No one is rubbing out your vote.

DISINFORMATION
Ongoing

Preferential voting

If your first preference doesn't get enough votes, your vote is not wasted.

DISINFORMATION
Ongoing

Election advertising

Claims that pre-election media and advertising by political parties is illegal are false.

YouTube
Nov 2021

When's the election

YouTube
Aug 2021

The count: Declaring results

YouTube
Apr 2023

Referendum Disclosure

YouTube
Jun 2022

2022 federal election in review

YouTube
Mar 2022

Reporting misinformation

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Mar 2022

Go ahead, ask us anything

YouTube
Aug 2021

Electoral integrity

YouTube
Apr 2022

Online voting

YouTube
Sep 2022

What is a referendum?

YouTube
Sep 2023

Naming electoral divisions

Find your role at the AEC

Work at a federal election

Every federal election and referendum we need around 100,000 temporary staff. Earn money and get a valuable experience.

Current vacancies

Join our team delivering world-class elections. Exciting professional and entry level jobs with great working conditions and teammates on offer.

Careers at AEC

Be part of a passionate and committed team that delivers world-class electoral services and the AEC's vital corporate work.

Answers to common questions

When will the next federal election be held?

Federal elections must be held at least once in every three years on a date determined by the Governor General, upon request by the government.

I am living or going overseas

To be eligible to enrol to vote from overseas, you must be an Australian citizen aged 18 years or older, and intend to return to Australia within six years.

How do I return my form to the AEC?

You can upload, fax, or post your signed form or letter to the AEC.

A relative has died. How do I remove their name from the roll?

You do not need to notify the AEC when a relative or friend has died as this information is provided to the AEC.

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