How-to-vote card guidelines
Upcoming by-elections
There are upcoming by-elections in Prahran and Werribee districts.
How-to-vote card registration for:
- Prahran District by-election opens on Monday 20 January and closes at 12 noon on Friday 31 January
- Werribee District by-election opens on Tuesday 28 January and closes at 12 noon on Friday 31 January.
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 | Werribee District by-election |
|---|---|---|
| Address |
Suite 3.02, Level 3, |
Victorian Electoral Commission, |
| Phone | 03 9678 1404 | 03 8620 1316 |
| Opening hours |
Monday 6 January to Friday 7 February: 9 am to 5 pm (business days only) |
Our office is open 8:30 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday. We are not open on public holidays. |
*Details for a local election office in Werribee District will be available after the close of nominations.
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: