Privacy and candidate information

The VEC is responsible for processing nominations of candidates for elections. We also have a number of related functions, including registering how-to-vote cards, regulating the distribution of electoral material (how-to-vote cards) at or near voting centres on election day, as well as processing requests for payments of election expenses.

The VEC collects personal information about candidates in three circumstances:

Nomination of candidates

In nominating themselves for candidature, all candidates must supply the VEC with name and address information. They must also provide us with contact details to be disclosed to the general public.

How-to-vote cards

How-to-vote cards must be registered with the VEC or an election manager. Candidates applying to register a card must submit a copy of the card and must provide their name, contact address, telephone details and a signature.

Election expenditure

Following an election, a registered political party or an independent candidate may claim for election expenses. In order to claim, they must provide the VEC with a statement of election expenditure. Such a statement may contain personal information about an independent candidate.

The VEC is required by the Electoral Act 2002 to disclose candidate information in the following ways:

Public inspection of candidate information

As candidates nominate in an election, we make their name and contact details publicly available. We publish the details on the VEC website, we release them to the media, and we make them available for inspection at VEC offices.

Ballot papers

The VEC is responsible for printing ballot papers for an election. Ballot-papers include the names of all candidates. Where appropriate, they also include the name of the registered political party that has endorsed the candidate.

How-to-vote cards

The VEC must make all registered how-to-vote card available for public inspection at the VEC offices. Election managers must make registered cards available for inspection at all relevant election manager offices and election-day voting centres.