The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) is alerting voters in the Whittlesea City Council by-election to allegations of interference.
The VEC has received information that residents in the current by-election for Thomastown Ward had been approached by an individual offering to complete and return postal ballots on their behalf.
Electoral laws prohibit interference, coercion or improperly completing a ballot on another person’s behalf. The allegations have been referred to the Local Government Inspectorate as the applicable regulator for investigation.
Electoral Commissioner, Sven Bluemmel, reminded voters that they could seek assistance to vote by a trusted relative or friend, when needed, but the ballot paper should be completed according to the voter’s wishes.
“Any attempt to pressure voters or improperly handle another person’s ballot is unacceptable,” Mr Bluemmel said.
“These attempts will be detected by our safeguarding processes and there can be significant penalties under the law.
“Voters have the right to make their own choices freely and secretly, and we encourage anyone with concerns to contact the VEC as soon as possible.”
If you have any information that could support the investigation, report it to the Local Government Inspectorate directly through their online reporting form on their website at lgi.vic.gov.au.
