How-to-vote card guidelines

Upcoming by-election

There is an upcoming by-election in Prahran District.

How-to-vote card registration for:

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

Registered political parties

Political parties register their how-to-vote cards directly with our head office. We will provide more information on the submission process directly to each party.

Independent candidates, groups, and others

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

Election Prahran District by-election
Address

Suite 3.02, Level 3,
8 Palmerston Crescent, South Melbourne
Phone 03 9678 1404
Opening hours
  • Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 December: 9 am to 5 pm
  • Friday 27 December: 9 am to 8 pm
  • Monday 6 January to Friday 7 February: 9 am to 5 pm (business days only)
    		•

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

    How-to-vote card requirements

    Please 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.

    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. 

    How-to-vote card archive

    Browse an archive of how-to-vote cards: