Industrial elections and ballots (FAQs)

How do I ask for a copy of the voter roll?

Email your request to iebevents@aec.gov.au.

If your request is approved, the AEC will ask you to complete a legal agreement (a deed poll) before giving you the roll.

What can I use the voter roll for?

You can only use the roll for purposes related to the specific election it was provided for.

You must not use it for other communications, future campaigns, or share it with anyone who is not authorised.

How does the AEC create the voter roll?

The AEC creates the roll using membership information provided by the organisation.

This is done in line with the organisation’s rules and the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009.

What information is on the voter roll?

The roll consists of: the member’s name; their postal and/or residential address.

When can I request the voter roll?

You can request the roll from the day after the roll has closed, once the AEC confirms it can be released legally and safely.

When will I receive the voter roll?

You’ll receive access after you’ve completed the deed poll and the AEC has finalised the roll; the AEC will tell you when and how it will be provided.

How long can I keep the voter roll?

Only for the time period approved by the AEC. After that, securely delete or destroy it.

How do I prove I’ve deleted the roll?

Usually a written or statutory declaration confirming the roll has been deleted/destroyed and no copies remain.

How does the AEC decide when the roll closes?

By considering the organisation’s rules, the legislation, and fairness/practical administration.

Can I be a “silent elector” in these elections?

No. Silent elector arrangements do not apply to registered organisation elections run by the AEC.

How do I know if I’m eligible to nominate?

Check the organisation’s registered rules, the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009 and the election notice.

What types of elections are there?

Scheduled; casual vacancy; insufficient nominations elections.

How do I appoint a scrutineer?

You can appoint a scrutineer using this form. Please note the election notice provides further information about the specific requirements about who can be a scrutineer and when scrutineer forms need to be submitted in accordance with the rules of the organisation.

When will the AEC announce the result?

After counting is finished and requirements are met. The AEC must issue a declaration of the election result within 14 days after the “closing day” of the election.

What does the declaration include?

The AEC’s declaration set out things like:

number of voters on the roll
number of ballots issued and received
informal votes
and the result of the election

Does the AEC prepare a report after the election?

Yes. The AEC produces a post‑election report about how the election was run.
This includes:

Any organisation rules that were difficult to interpret or apply
Matters relating to the roll of voters
Number of written allegations of irregularities made to the AEC during the election
Action taken by the AEC in response to those allegations
Any other irregularities identified by the AEC, and what action was taken

Can an organisation support one candidate over another in an election?

No. Under the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act, an organisation (or branch) must not use its funds, property or resources to favour one candidate over another in an election. This means things like staff time, membership lists, facilities, or communication channels cannot be used to give an advantage to a particular candidate. The is to ensure elections are fair and free from organisational bias.

Breaching this requirement is an offence and may result in penalties.

For further information please see section 190 of the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009

What actions are considered improper interference in an election?

The Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act strictly prohibits interference with the election process.

This includes:

impersonating someone to obtain or cast a vote
tampering with ballot papers, envelopes or ballot boxes
handling, possessing or using a ballot paper that you are not entitled to (for example, taking or completing someone else’s ballot paper)
voting when not entitled, or voting more than once
forging or unlawfully creating ballot papers or envelopes
destroying, altering or interfering with ballot material
threatening, intimidating or pressuring someone to influence their vote or candidacy
offering benefits or bribes to influence voting behaviour

These actions are offences under the Act and can result in penalties.

For further information please see section 195 of the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009

Is voting compulsory in an election for office?

Voting is not compulsory under the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009. However, an organisation’s rules may provide for compulsory voting.

What happens if my ballot paper hasn’t arrived for an election for office?

You can request a replacement ballot paper from the returning officer.

How do I update my address for an election for office?

Before the roll closes:

Update your address with your registered organisation (union) before the roll closes, so you are correctly included and receive your ballot materials.

After the roll has closed (during an active election):

Once the roll is closed:

Immediately contact the returning officer to:
confirm your enrolment details on the roll, and
request a replacement ballot paper if you have not received one

You should also:

Update your address with the organisation for future elections.

Can I change my vote in an election for office?

No. Elections must be conducted as secret ballots with safeguards against irregularities, meaning a valid vote cannot be withdrawn or changed once cast.

Do I need to submit a candidate statement with my nomination form?

Refer to the Election Notice for instructions on how and when to submit a candidate statement

Nomination and candidate statement requirements are governed by the organisation's rules.

How do I submit a candidate statement?

If your election rules permit candidate statements, you should follow the instructions on the Election Notice on how and when to submit the statement.

Candidate statements should be provided in the following formats:

their candidate statement as a Microsoft Word document (.doc or .docx); and
Where photographs are allowable, they must be submitted in JPG, JPEG or TIF format.

Candidates should also refer to their organisation's rules and the Election Notice regarding what may and may not be included in a candidate statement.

When is a candidate statement due?

Candidates should always check the Election Notice for the applicable deadline.

In many elections, candidate statements must be submitted by the close of nominations. However, some organisation rules or election arrangements may provide additional time for candidate statements to be lodged with the AEC after nominations have closed.

Is there a word limit for candidate statements?

Candidates should refer to the Election Notice for the applicable word limit and any formatting requirements. The permitted length of a candidate statement varies between elections.

Can I include a photograph with my candidate statement?

Whether photographs are permitted, and any requirements relating to them, will be specified in the Election Notice. Some organisation rules allow candidates to submit a photograph for publication with their candidate statement.

Will the AEC publish my candidate statement exactly as submitted?

Where the AEC collates candidate statements, they are often formatted to ensure consistency of presentation and to enable all statements to fit within the booklet or election material being distributed to members. The content of the statement will not be changed, but the layout, spacing, fonts and formatting may be adjusted for production purposes.

Who can be appointed as a scrutineer to observe the count of votes?

A scrutineer is a person appointed by a candidate to observe the count of votes and represent the candidate's interests during the counting process. The eligibility requirements for scrutineers are determined by the organisation's rules and the election arrangements. Some organisations require scrutineers to be financial members, while other organisations do not impose membership restrictions. Candidates should check the organisation's rules and the Election Notice.

Can a candidate be a scrutineer in an election for a registered organisation?

Scrutineers are appointed to observe the ballot process on behalf of candidates, so their role is intended to be separate from that of a candidate. Candidates cannot be scrutineers in their own election.

When do scrutineer appointment forms need to be lodged?

Candidates should refer to the Election Notice and any instructions issued by the Returning Officer. The deadline for lodging scrutineer appointment forms varies between organisations and elections. Some organisations require appointments to be lodged before the count commences, while others may specify a different timeframe.

You should ensure your contact details (including your address) are correct with your employer and your union.
The Australian Electoral Commission uses the roll of voters and available contact details to issue voting materials, so accuracy at this stage is critical.

After the roll is finalised (during an active ballot), if you have not received your ballot paper, you should:

Contact the AEC immediately, and
Request a replacement ballot paper
A replacement must be issued if the agent is satisfied of your request and that you have not voted.
In practice, the agent may send the replacement ballot to a different address you nominate, provided they can verify your request.

Can I change my vote in a protected action ballot?

No. Once your vote is cast, it is final, and only one valid vote is counted.

Frequently asked questions