Media Release 1999: Why 436 000 Voters Missed Out on Having Their Say

21 October 1999

Over 11.5 million Australians voted at the last federal election, but more than 436 000 of the votes cast were not counted.

The Australian Electoral Commissioner, Bill Gray said that this was because their ballot papers were regarded as "informal" as they had not filled them out correctly.

At each election and referendum the Australian Electoral Commission puts a lot of effort in trying to ensure that all voters know how to fill out their ballot papers correctly. But each time there are a number of wasted votes. The informality rate had been fairly stable for the last three elections: between 3% and 4%. The informal voting rate at the last referendum, held in 1988 was 1% – that is over 120 000 votes.

Mr Gray said that there was no single reason for this wastage of votes.

"For the referendum, of course, all voters need to do is write the word YES or NO in the box provided. It is as simple as that."

Mr Gray said that the AEC would be running a heavy advertising campaign as polling day approaches, reminding people of the voting requirements. In addition, the referendum pamphlet, which contains the YES and NO cases, has been delivered to every voter in the country. The pamphlet contains reminders about how to vote correctly.

The instructions on how to vote are written clearly on top of each ballot paper, and polling officials are available at polling places to assist.

Voting is a right and a duty for all enrolled citizens, Mr Gray said, and it was important that no vote was wasted.

Further information:

Brien Hallett
Director Information
02 6271 4415

Anthea Wilson
Assistant Director Information
03 9285 7114