Media Release 2001: Make Your Vote Count in Election 2001

8 November 2001

Australia's electors have been encouraged to make sure they cast a valid vote in the coming federal election.

According to the Australian Electoral Commissioner Mr Andy Becker many elections since Australia's first federal poll in 1901 have been won by narrow margins.

"It is easy to make your vote count. On the green House of Representatives ballot paper you must number all the squares in the order of your choice of candidates. No ticks or crosses should be used and no squares should be left blank."

Mr Becker said that on the white Senate ballot paper, voters could either choose to vote for only one party or group above the line or they could number every box below the line in the order of their preference.

The instructions on how to fill in the ballot paper are written clearly on top of each ballot paper, and polling officials are available at polling places to assist. Electors can also refer to the elector leaflet – Your official guide to the Federal Election – which has been delivered to every household, visit the AEC website at www.aec.gov.au, or phone 13 23 26 for more information.

Further Information

Brien Hallett
Asst Commissioner Information & Research
Ph. (02) 6271 4477
Mobile 0413 274 798

Anthea Wilson
Director Information
Ph. (02) 6271 4415
Mobile 0413 452 539