- Published:
- Thursday, 8 October 2020 at 11:00 pm
Candidates standing for local council use different forms of communication to campaign and inform the community about who they are and why they should be elected. However, it is not only candidates that can campaign. Any individual, group or organisation can produce and distribute electoral matter.
The authorisation requirements of the Local Government Act 2020 require any content that is “intended or likely to affect voting” must include the name and an address of the person who is responsible for the statement.
Authorisation holds the author accountable for the content and may be relevant if there are any questions about electoral material.
adds accountability for the content to the author and may be relevant should there be any question over the content of the electoral matter.
What is electoral matter or content?
The definition of electoral matter is broad. Anyone wanting to publish electoral content on social media or any other online space should consult the Local Government Act 2020 sections 3(1), 3(4), 3(5) and 287. Further guidance is available in the Victorian Electoral Commission’s Electoral Information Series and Candidate Handbook.
The diversity and changing nature of available online platforms prevents us from providing exhaustive examples of correct authorisations for all communication channels However, we have included some examples of authorisations for various platforms to give you an idea of what is expected under the Act.
Ensure an appropriate authorisation line is included in the body copy of posted content, or, directly link to one.
If you believe you have encountered material that is intended or likely to affect voting but which is not authorised, please lodge a complaint using our online form or contact us by email: inspectorate@lgi.vic.gov.au
Updated