The AEC ensures accurate voter lists through compulsory enrolment and voting, as mandated by the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 and the Referendum (Machinery Provisions) Act 1984.

The AEC utilises several methods to measure and ensure the accuracy and completeness of the electoral roll. This includes using verified data (limited to name, date of birth and address) from a range of federal and state departments/agencies in addition to the regular reminders we send people about their enrolment obligations.  In addition, every time there is a state, territory or federal election event is another opportunity for further checking, validating and in some cases updating of voter’s enrolment details.  As reported in our Annual Report each year the national electoral roll has incredibly high levels of accuracy and integrity.

Enrolment fraud, such as using a false name or address, and multiple voting are criminal offences with strict penalties, including fines and imprisonment. Historical data shows that instances of voter fraud are extremely rare and not widespread.

A vote like this will simply be informal and therefore not included in the count. The proposed wording to write on the ballot paper will not be taken into account or tallied in any way as part of the counting process.

The suggestion that enough votes cast this way could potentially result in a new election has no basis in law either under the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 or the Constitution.