Victoria’s electoral system is under the spotlight as the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) urges the government to overhaul electoral laws in response to rising challenges in election delivery. This call follows the VEC’s response to the Electoral Matters Committee’s (EMC) report on the conduct of the 2022 state election.
Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel stressed the need for legislative updates to keep pace with the complexities of modern elections. He advocated for reforms that safeguard the fairness, security, and accessibility of the voting process.
“Elections are becoming increasingly intricate, and our laws must adapt. A robust and contemporary framework will ensure Victoria’s electoral system remains representative and secure,” said Mr Bluemmel. He urged the government to embrace the EMC’s recommendations alongside those proposed by the VEC to future-proof the state’s elections.
The VEC has thrown its weight behind several key recommendations, including changes to election timelines to ease logistical pressures, expanded use of electronic roll mark-off, and enhanced safety measures for all participants at polling venues. The Commission also highlighted the urgency of combating mis- and disinformation, calling for legislative action against social media platforms that fail to address inaccuracies about the electoral process.
A proposed legally enforceable code of conduct for candidates and campaigners could reshape electoral behaviour, while extended access to telephone-assisted voting aims to improve inclusivity. The VEC also acknowledged lessons learned from ballot paper shortages in 2022, committing to transparency on how these issues are being addressed.
Bluemmel emphasised the financial implications of the recommended changes, pointing to rising costs that cannot be ignored. “Election budgets are not immune to inflation. We have carefully examined the resourcing impacts of these proposals to ensure their feasibility,” he added.
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