Australian Electoral Commission Says 2 Votes From the Same Person Will Be Counted

AEC and Vote Yes signage at an early voting centre for the Indigenous voice to parliament referendum in Melbourne, Australia, on Oct. 2, 2023. AAP Image/Joel Carrett

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) is under scrutiny for stating votes can be counted if individuals vote at “two different polling places.”

The AEC’s social media post on X (formerly Twitter) has been viewed more than one million times by people from all over the world.

“If someone votes at two different polling places within their electorate, and places their formal vote in the ballot box at each polling place, their vote is counted,” the AEC posted on X on Oct. 3.

“We cannot remove the count because, due to the secrecy of the ballot, we have no way of knowing which ballot paper belongs to which person. However, the number of double votes received is incredibly low, and usually related to mental health or age,” the AEC maintained.

The Commission has sought to add more context to the post, and clarified that voting more than once is electoral fraud.

One voter had asked, “If the result is within the detected multiple voting rate, will the result stand?”

In response, the AEC said “Multiple voting is an offence. Real-time roll mark-off occurs at all pre-poll centres and many polling day booths. All declaration votes are also subject to strict roll checks.”

Queensland Liberal National Party Senator Gerard Rennick criticised the AEC on social media, raising concerns it may entice people to vote twice.

“It’s virtually encouraging people to vote more than once. Contact [Prime Minister] Anthony Albanese to let him know,” he posted on X.

Multiple voting is a type of electoral fraud outlined in section 339 of the Electoral Act, the AEC states online.

The AEC also notes that electors are not able to enrol more than once. Making a false claim for enrolment, such as using a false name or address, is also electoral fraud.

On Oct. 14, Australians will head to the polls to vote on a proposed change to their Constitution.

Early voting has commenced at polling booths around the country for the Indigenous Voice to Parliament.

Voters are being asked if they want to alter the preamble of the Constitution to “recognise the First Peoples of Australia” and to also set up an advisory body that will “make representations” to the legislature and executive.

Ballot papers ask Australians to vote yes or no to the question:

“A Proposed Law: to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. Do you approve this proposed alteration?”

AEC and Vote Yes signage at an early voting centre for the Indigenous voice to parliament referendum in Melbourne, Australia, on Oct. 2, 2023. AAP Image/Joel Carrett

Yes Campaign Signs

Earlier this week, the Yes campaign was asked to move campaign signage that looked markedly similar to AEC official material.

The “Vote Yes” signs are purple and white and may entice voters to believe this is the official message from the commission.

“This combination of using purple and white colours in proximity to AEC signage could mislead a voter about the source of the signage, and by extension, the source of the message on the signage,” the AEC said.

Social media posts have since appeared alleging the signs are still appearing at polling booths.

“Misleading signs still there,” one X user posted on the platform on Oct. 4.