Disinformation register

The register below lists prominent pieces of disinformation the AEC has discovered regarding the electoral process. It also provides details of actions the AEC has taken in response.

The AEC is not the arbiter of truth regarding political communication and does not seek to censor debate in any way. However, when it comes to the election process we conduct, we’re the experts and we’re active in defending Australia’s democracy

Correct information The video that was shared on social media is from the 2023 NSW state election – this is an election that is not run by the AEC. The NSW Electoral Commission explained at the time that their polling official featured in the video was completing the paperwork required to run the polling place.

AEC ballot paper handling processes include the use of uniquely coded security seals, weatherproof packaging and tamper proof tape. Multiple officers are involved in the sign off of the packaging and receipt of materials. AEC counting processes are also highly transparent and manual. Around 100,000 staff – members of the community - count the votes and candidate appointed scrutineers observe the process. Results data is then published to the tally room in real time so people at each count can verify that the information published is what they saw for themselves.

The AEC supplies pencils for voting because they don't smudge when ballot papers are folded, they are cheaper than pens and they don't run dry in tropical conditions. Voters are welcome to bring a pen to a polling place and use it to mark their ballot paper if they wish.

AEC action

The AEC responded to social media commentary on multiple channels. An AEC TV video about the issue was used in the communication.

Date detected

February 2025

Source

Category

Voting

Correct information The AEC has been attending citizenship ceremonies in-person for decades with a policy of attending any large or iconic citizenship ceremonies consistently applied. Evidence of this includes the week of Australia Day in 2025 when AEC staff attended more than 200 citizenship ceremonies in different locations across Australia.

Australia is relatively unique in having a compulsory voting system with new Australian citizens required by law to enrol and vote. The AEC’s attendance at citizenship ceremonies communicates that requirement. It is also common for AEC signage regarding enrolment to be displayed at citizenship ceremonies, regardless of when they’re held. The exact format for the display of signage regarding enrolment depends on what is available at the venue.

AEC action

The AEC responded to media and social media enquiries which were suggesting that the AEC's attendance to citizenship ceremonies was unusual. An AEC spokesman also clarified the matter in multiple media interviews.

Date detected

February 2025

Source

Category

Enrolment

Correct information The political party registration process is an opt-in process, based on applications made to the AEC. The AEC has no legislative authority to compel an entity to register as a political party. If a person or entity meets certain criteria they must register as either a significant third party or associated entity.

Further information >

AEC action

The AEC responded to media and social media enquires outlining the relevant provisions of the Electoral Act relating to party registration. An AEC TV video is available that discusses why the assertions are incorrect.

Date detected

November 2022

Source

Category

Party Registration

Correct information The AEC has no legal authority to check the constitutional eligibility of candidates. The AEC's role is to receive and publish candidate qualification checklists. Constitutional eligibility can only be determined by the High Court after an election.

Regarding practicality, matters relating to section 44 of the Constitution can be very complex. Even if the AEC did have legal authority to determine constitutional eligibility, the single day in the election timetable between the declaration of nominations and the commencement of ballot paper printing is insufficient to make such complex legal determinations. Further information: {link to backgrounder}

AEC action

The AEC responded to media and social media enquires outlining the agency's role. The electoral backgrounder on section 44 also clearly outlines the AEC's role.

Date detected

5 July 2024

Source

Category

Candidate nominations

Correct information The AEC never knows the election date in advance. If we did, elections would be much easier to plan!

As potential election dates draw closer, the AEC undertakes readiness activities such as contacting potential staff to confirm that they are still interested in working at an election, ramping up visibility in the press and on social media, and even conducting large scale rehearsal activities. These activities all occur without knowing the specific date of the election, but typically occur after the Parliament has been sitting for 2 years and 6 months of its maximum 3 year lifespan.

AEC action

The AEC corrected the information when it was encountered on social media. The AEC has also put out proactive social media messages and an AEC TV video on the subject.

Date detected

January 2025

Source

Category

Election timing

Correct information Every preference marked on House of Representatives and Senate ballot papers is chosen by voters.

While political parties and candidates often recommend how to number a ballot paper, it is entirely up to each voter if they want to follow that advice or not. In some contests there can be clear patterns seen where voters have decided to follow particular how-to-vote cards distributed by a political party or parties, while in other contests that pattern is less clear. Either way, it is the choice of the voter, and it is the voter alone who marks their ballot paper.

Often, the belief that there is ‘preference whispering’ that occurs (where voters preferences are chosen for them) is outdated commentary from when there were group voting tickets used for Senate elections. The 2016 federal election was the first federal election conducted after group voting tickets were abolished as part of Senate voting system changes.

AEC action

The AEC has regularly responded to social media users with the correct information. AEC website content, videos, media appearances and other forms of communication are often dedicated to explaining how preferential voting works.

Date detected

January 2025

Source

Category

Preferential voting

Updated: 25 March 2025