How-to-vote card guidelines

About how-to-vote cards

A how-to-vote card is a printed guide that shows voters how a particular person or group wants you to fill out your ballot paper. We sometimes refer use the acronym 'HTVC' when talking about how-to-vote cards.

A how-to-vote card has voting instructions for one state district or state region only. Anyone can register a single how-to-vote card, including:

  • independent candidates
  • registered political parties
  • registered upper house groups
  • community groups, organisations, or charities
  • businesses
  • trade unions
  • members of the public.

A how-to-vote card must be registered with us and be properly authorised if it is:

  • handed out within 400 metres of a voting centre on election day
  • distributed by our mobile voting teams.

A how-to-vote card doesn't have to be registered with us, but must be still properly authorised if it is:

  • handed out more than 400 metres from a voting centre on election day
  • handed out at an early voting centre.

There are penalties for how-to-vote cards that are not authorised properly.

You can find comprehensive instructions for registering a how-to-vote card in the candidate handbook. Registrations are only allowed in specific registration periods in a state election or state by-election. You do not have to register any how-to-vote cards you create during local council elections. 

Nepean District by-election

How-to-vote card registration opens on Monday 13 April and closes at 12 noon on Friday 24 April.

There is a step-by-step guide for registering a how-to-vote card in the candidate handbook.

Independent candidates, groups, and others

You must make an appointment at the election office to register your how-to-vote card in person:

Address: 1/16 Dutton Street, Rosebud

Phone: 131 832

The election office will be open from Monday 16 March until Friday 1 May. It’s closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday (Friday 3 and Monday 6 April).

Opening hours:

  • 9 am – 5 pm weekdays

The election office is open 9 am to 8 pm on:

  • Fri 20 March
  • Wed 22 April – Thurs 30 April

There is a step-by-step guide for registering a how-to-vote card in the candidate handbook.

How-to-vote card requirements

Prepare your how-to-vote card carefully. You must submit a final, print-ready digital copy (PDF only) and 2 hard copies. Files under 4MB are preferred. Follow the how-to-vote card applicant checklist carefully to avoid delays.

You must complete a declaration form for every card you want to register.

The checklist and declaration form are in the Candidate kit. You can also pick up a hard copy of any of these documents at the election office.

Registered political parties

Political parties register their how-to-vote cards directly with our head office. We’ll provide information on this process directly to each party.

How-to-vote card archive

Browse an archive of how-to-vote cards: