Electoral participation plan 2026–31

Victoria is stronger when everyone can have a say. The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) wants every Victorian to be able to enrol, vote and understand how elections work.

This 5-year Electoral Participation Plan (2026–2031) explains how we will:

• focus effort where it is needed most
• keep sharing clear, accessible information across Victoria
• test new ideas and learn from what works.

This is a pilot plan. What we learn will shape future work with communities.

Our approach

Different communities need different kinds of support. To respond to this, we use an engagement stream model. It helps match the level of effort to the level of need.

Stream A: location-based engagement	Deeper, long-term work in a small number of selected areas.
Stream B: partner-led engagement	Working through trusted organisations that already support communities.
Stream C: statewide engagement	Broad education and communication for all Victorians.

These streams work together. Local work builds understanding, while partner and statewide work makes sure everyone can get the information they need.

Statewide programs

Two ongoing programs run across all of Victoria:

• First Nations Engagement Program
• Prisons Engagement Program.

They focus on communities that face specific and long-term barriers. These programs:

• are based on long-term relationships
• respect cultural, legal and historical contexts
• help us improve accessibility and
• inclusion in all work.

Focusing on 4 locations

We will trial deeper engagement in 4 pilot zones:

• two regional areas
• two metropolitan areas.

In these zones, we will:

• build local partnerships
• listen to communities
• test new approaches to participation.

Focusing on these locations does not mean other areas will be overlooked. Communities across Victoria will continue to be supported through Stream B and Stream C. The pilot zones allow us to learn what works best and apply those lessons more widely.

How locations are chosen

We use data to find areas where people may find it harder to take part. This includes information about:

• voter turnout and informal voting
• language and English proficiency
• disability and caring responsibilities
• youth populations
• housing insecurity and overcrowding.

The process is designed so locations can change in the future as Victoria changes.

Five-year roadmap (2026–2031)

The plan runs for 5 years to allow:

• time to build trust and partnerships
• time to test new ideas during local and state elections
• time to gather and use data to improve.

Over the 5 years we will:

• set up zones, programs and partnerships
• deliver workshops, campaigns and education activities
• review data and feedback mid-way through the plan
• share results and use them to design the next plan.

Our commitment to the public

We follow 5 principles in all engagement work:

Checking progress and reporting

We will regularly check if the plan is working by looking at:

• enrolment and voter turnout data
• feedback from communities and partners
• participation and accessibility measures.

Progress will be shared through:

• annual public reporting
• a mid-term review in 2029
• a final review in 2031.

Findings will directly inform future decisions about where and how we focus our engagement efforts.

Looking ahead

This plan is about making it easier for every Victorian to take part in democracy.

By working locally, with partners and statewide, we aim to:

• reduce barriers to participation
• build confidence and trust
• support fair and informed participation for all Victorians.