Campaigning

You can campaign at any time, even before the official start of a State or local council election period.

When campaigning, consider the following:

• All electoral campaign material must be properly authorised so it is clear who is accountable for it.
• 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 that candidates and parties can display within 100 metres of the designated entrance to a voting centre.

Size limit

Signs must not be bigger than 600 mm x 900 mm.

Quantity limits

Independent candidates can have no more than 2 signs.

Registered political parties can have up to:

• 2 signs for your endorsed district candidate
• 2 signs in total between all endorsed region candidates
• 2 signs for your party.

Regulating signs

You are prohibited from displaying a mobile billboard within 100 metres of the designated entrance to a voting centre or early voting centre.

An election manager or election official can remove a notice or sign that doesn’t comply with the requirements, but first they will attempt to contact you and ask you to remove it.

We cannot regulate the number, location 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.