Electoral advertising and how-to-vote cards

Electoral advertising and how-to-vote cards

There are specific requirements for registered political parties relating to electoral advertising and election material. Registered political parties and their agents must ensure that they are aware of all regulations relating to:

• the broadcast and publication of electoral material
• the authorisation of electoral material
• how-to-vote cards.

How-to-vote (HTV) cards show how a party wants voters to rank their preferences on their ballot paper when voting for their endorsed candidate in an election. HTV cards have specific requirements and must be approved by the ECQ before a registered political party or endorsed candidate distributes them during an election period.

State elections are subject to a media blackout period. The ECQ does not regulate media blackout laws. If you have questions about the blackout periods, contact the Australian Communications and Media Authority.

Links to further information:

• State fact sheet 1 – Authorisation of election material
• State fact sheet 3 – How-to-vote cards
• State fact sheet 30 – Offences relating to electoral advertising
• Video - How-to-vote cards