Campaigning behaviour outside early voting centres

Updated: 1 May 2025

With around 12 million Australians still to vote at this election, the AEC is today again calling on all campaigners to behave respectfully towards voters, one another and AEC staff.

Electoral Commissioner Jeff Pope said that while the vast majority of interactions near a voting centre are cordial, isolated instances of aggression, intimidation and potential violence near pre poll venues are not in keeping with Australian democratic values.

“We want voters to have a smooth and positive voting experience,” Mr Pope said.

“Australian federal elections are rightly a time of heightened passion but they’re also famous and admired right across Australia and internationally for respectful behaviour and a festival type environment. While there is a lot of media coverage of incidents occurring, reports of unsavoury behaviour are relatively limited.”

“The AEC is not a police force and does not have jurisdiction to undertake conflict resolution or get in the middle of a dispute outside our polling places. However, we do have close relationships with local police forces around the country who are closely monitoring activities.”

“In some areas, the AEC has written to candidates and branches of registered political parties to alert them to the reports being received and to remind everyone of the right for voters to have a comfortable voting experience.”

“Campaigners and campaign activities are a very important part of the federal election process, but lawful activities are a must, and respectful behaviour is a firm expectation.”

“Everyone also needs to remember the people who staff AEC voting locations are everyday Australians - parents, grandparents and neighbours. They are giving their time to make a valuable contribution to the health of Australia’s democracy. Without them, we would not be able to deliver the election.”

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