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Australian Electoral Commission
House of Representatives electorate results can be formally declared by the AEC when a candidate meets a strict threshold to be declared elected.
To determine whether a candidate has met the required threshold there are five separate tests. Passing on any of the tests allows the AEC to undertake the declaration. This is determined in line with the requirements of sections 274 and 284 of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918.
Poll declaration tests are complex. Due to a broader spread of first preference votes across candidates in recent elections, an increasing number of contests are requiring the conditions of test number five to be completed in order to undertake the declaration.
*Farrer statistics: As of 8am Monday 25 May
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‘Absolute majority’ tests |
What does that mean? |
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1. Enrolment |
Is the number of first preference votes achieved by the leading candidate more than half of the total enrolment in the electorate? |
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2. Votes cast |
Is the number of first preference votes achieved by the leading candidate more than half of the total votes cast in the electorate? *Votes = formal first preference ‘ordinary’ votes + total ‘declaration’ votes issued for the electorate |
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3. First preferences and outstanding declaration votes |
Is the number of first preference votes achieved by the leading candidate more than half of all first preferences plus the total outstanding declaration votes yet to be received or counted? |
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4. Assured TCP |
Is the sum of first preference votes for all candidates not in the two-candidate preferred count less than the number of first preference votes for the current ‘runner up’? |
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5. Distribution of preferences |
If none of the above four tests can be met, a full distribution of preferences must be undertaken before the poll can be formally declared. To undertake a full distribution of preferences every vote in the contest must be available. This requires waiting until 13 days after polling day for the legislated deadline for the receipt of postal votes to pass. |
*Farrer results are available on the tally room. The Farrer specific information in the table above will be updated regularly throughout the count period, as appropriate.
For the 2025 federal election, 88 electorates (well more than half of all 150 electorates) required test number five to be met to formally declare the result. This is more than ever before.
It is not uncommon for a House of Representatives result to be clear while still having to wait a few weeks (for test five) for the formal declaration to occur.
This can be frustrating at times – particularly for by-elections. Successful candidates often want to prepare for the commencement of their role and take their seat as quickly as possible.
The AEC acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters, culture and community. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.