Campaigning
You can campaign at any time, even before the official start of a state election period.
When campaigning, consider the following:
- Electoral material must be authorised so it is clear who is accountable for it. This includes:
- paid electoral advertisements
- printed electoral materials
- material made by or for candidates and registered political parties.
- All non-electoral laws still apply. For example, defamation laws.
- You must not distribute material that is likely to mislead voters into voting incorrectly.
- There are rules in Victorian State elections about making, receiving and disclosing political donations.
Voting centre signage limits
There is a limit on the size and number of signs candidates and parties can display within 100 metres of the designated entrance to a voting centre.
No other signs related to the election may be displayed in this zone, other than official VEC signs.
Size limit
Signs must not be bigger than 600 mm x 900 mm.
Quantity limits
Independent candidates cannot have more than 2 signs.
Registered political parties can have up to:
- 2 signs for the endorsed district (Lower House) candidate
- 2 signs in total between all endorsed region (Upper House) candidates
- 2 signs for the party.
It is up to the party how this total allocation is used. For example, the contents may be the same across all signs.
Regulating signs
Mobile billboards are not allowed within 100 metres of the designated entrance to a voting centre or early voting centre. A mobile billboard includes vinyl-wrapped or painted vehicles.
An election manager or official can remove a sign that does not meet the rules. First, they will try to contact the person responsible and ask them to remove it.
We cannot regulate the number, placement or size of signs that are not within 100 metres of a voting centre. You can check with:
- your local council (for local laws that may apply in your area)
- the Department of Transport (for more information about signage on highways and public transport).
More information
For more information about your responsibilities you can:
- read about becoming a State election candidate
- read about Victoria's political donation laws
- read the relevant legislation, such as the Electoral Act 2002
- read the determinations that clarify obligations which may apply to you
- seek independent legal advice.