Australia’s electoral system is one of the most reliable in the world, and every voter has a role to play in protecting it. You may encounter false or misleading information about the electoral process. It is important to stop and think about the content and source of what you see and hear, or read.
Check the content – search:
• emotive language that evokes strong emotions, such as shock, shock, anger, or excitement
• linking two or more arguments that do not make sense
• showing a small number of options instead of all of them
• blaming a specific group or a specific person who is not the only one responsible
• attacking the person instead of focusing on the argument
• hiding false claims/statements by simply making more questions
• making bold claims or choosing facts or parts of a story without showing all the information.
Check the source:
• Where did the information come from? Is it from a reliable place?
• How was it made? Is it from where? create false text, images, video and audio.
• When was it published? Old information can sometimes seem new.
• Why was it posted? There is a reason someone may be trying to convince you of something that is not true.
Check the AEC website to know whether it is true from false
information about:
• how to fill out the ballot
• when to vote
• how preferences work
• how votes are counted
• how the result is decided
• security, verification and other safeguards.
We all share a responsibility to protect the integrity of the electoral process
of our electoral system. Support your friends, family, and community
by encouraging them to approach information with care.
For more advice, visit aec.gov.au/translated
Produced in partnership with the Australian Electoral Commission, 10 Most Street,
Canberra.
