13 September 2004

The order in which candidates’ names appear on the ballot paper is determined by a random draw, which takes place immediately following the declaration of nominations.

The declaration of nominations takes place 24 hours after the close of nominations.

A system of double randomisation is used to determine the order of groups and ungrouped candidates on Senate ballot papers and the order of candidates on House of Representatives ballot papers.

A separate draw is conducted for the Senate in each State and Territory and for every House of Representatives Division.

Candidates, media and the public are welcome to attend the draws conducted to determine the order of names on the relevant ballot papers.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DRAW

The Divisional Returning Officer (DRO) declares the House of Representatives nominations received for their Division at 12noon on the day after the nominations for the election close. Following the declaration, the DRO conducts the double randomisation draw in the Divisional Office.

The first draw assigns a number to each candidate and the second draw determines the order in which each candidate appears on the ballot paper.

HOW IS THE DRAW DONE?

A list of the names of the candidates in the order of receipt of nominations is used for the draw.

Wooden balls consecutively numbered up to the number of candidates are placed in a container large enough for all the balls to move freely when it is rotated.

The container is rotated by an AEC officer (usually the DRO) who then invites any other person present to rotate the container.

A person who has been blindfolded prior to the container being rotated then selects the balls one by one and passes them to another person who reads out each number. As the numbers are called, they are allocated to the candidates. That is, the first number called is written against the first candidate on the list . The order of numbers on the list is the order in which they are called out.

The balls are then replaced in the container.
Again, the container is rotated and any person present may rotate it.

The blindfolded person once again selects the balls one by one and passes them to another person who reads out the numbers. The numbers are placed in the second column on the list the order in which they are read out. Against each number is placed the name of the candidate who was allocated that number in the first draw.

The order of candidates in this second draw determines the order of names on the ballot paper.

What happens after the draw?

After the draw, the AEC moves immediately to begin the printing of ballot papers.

Once the ballot papers are printed, voters who will be away on election day are able to begin voting in the election by casting a pre-poll or postal vote.