Get election ready: prospective candidates urged to register for 2026 state election information sessions
Tuesday 24 March 2026
For immediate release
Registered political parties and prospective candidates for the 2026 state election are being urged to familiarise themselves with the regulatory requirements and avoid costly mistakes by registering for a series of new information sessions hosted by the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC).
The VEC will deliver a comprehensive program of online sessions designed to prepare both party-endorsed and independent candidates for the November state election.
The sessions will cover key topics, including political finance, nomination procedures, how-to-vote card registration, campaign obligations and election operations.
The program will be delivered in 3 rounds across the year, with 6 targeted sessions in each round. Sessions are offered at a range of times, including weekdays and weekends.
Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel is encouraging candidates to take advantage of this opportunity, 'Prospective candidates will be provided with practical guidance, learn how election processes work on the ground, and have the chance to speak directly with our experts about the election processes that involve them,'
'Having a clear understanding of the rules well before the election timeline can help candidates avoid unnecessary errors and compliance issues,' Mr Bluemmel said.
Candidates can register for any sessions across the 3 rounds and may choose to attend multiple sessions on the same topic or focus on those most relevant to their needs.
Recordings will be made available to registered participants who attend following each session. Registered participants may also be contacted later if changes to the law affect what candidates are required to do.
Further details, including session dates, times and topics covered are available on the registration page at vec.vic.gov.au/SE26-info-sessions.
Session dates and times
| Topic | Cycle 1 | Cycle 2 | Cycle 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Political finance | Thursday 26 March 6 pm - 7 pm |
Saturday 20 June 12 pm – 1 pm |
Thursday 10 September 1 pm – 2 pm |
| Nominations | Thursday 9 April 6 pm - 7 pm |
Saturday 4 July 12 pm – 1 pm |
Thursday 17 September 1 pm – 2 pm |
| How-to-vote cards (districts) | Thursday 23 April 6 pm - 7 pm |
Saturday 18 July 12 pm – 1 pm |
Thursday 24 September 1 pm – 2 pm |
| How-to-vote cards (regions) | Thursday 7 May 6 pm - 7 pm |
Saturday 1 August 12 pm – 1 pm |
Thursday 8 October 1 pm – 2 pm |
| Campaigning, complaints and regulations | Thursday 21 May 6 pm - 7 pm |
Saturday 15 August 12 pm – 1 pm |
Thursday 15 October 1 pm – 2 pm |
| Election operations | Thursday 4 June 6 pm - 7 pm |
Saturday 29 August 12 pm – 1 pm |
Thursday 22 October 1 pm – 2 pm |