Candidate Handbook
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Candidate Handbook HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS 21 20 March Message to all candidates The Tasmanian Electoral Commission (TEC) has produced this handbook to assist you at the upcoming House of Assembly (State) elections. It outlines the stages of the election process which are relevant to candidates, as well as other electoral information such as advertising requirements. The role of the TEC is to conduct House of Assembly elections in accordance with the Electoral Act 2004. Candidates also have responsibilities under the Act, and candidates should inform themselves by reading this handbook and referring to the relevant provisions of the Electoral Act 2004. If you have a query about nominating or campaigning that you can’t find the answer to in this handbook, please feel free to contact the office of the TEC. Returning officers and staff of the TEC are happy to assist wherever possible, but please note that they are not able to provide legal advice. Any legal queries or legal interpretation of the relevant legislation should be sought from your own legal advisers. Please ensure that all electoral advertising and campaigning complies with both the letter and spirit of the Electoral Act 2004. For key election dates, and up to date information throughout the election period including polling places and media releases, please refer to our website www.tec.tas.gov.au Andrew Hawkey Tasmanian Electoral Commissioner Table of contents Introduction 1 Election rules ............................................................................................................................ 1 How to access the Act and other legislation ......................................................................... 1 Other quick points .................................................................................................................... 1 COVID-19 implications ............................................................................................................. 1 House of Assembly divisions and returning officers 2 House of AssemBly divisions .................................................................................................. 2 Returning officers .................................................................................................................... 2 The writ 3 What is the writ? ....................................................................................................................... 3 Election timetable (House of Assembly) ................................................................................ 3 The nomination period 4 Who can nominate? ................................................................................................................. 4 Persons ineligiBle for nomination ........................................................................................... 4 How to nominate & nomination forms ................................................................................... 4 Candidate’s consent and declaration ..................................................................................... 5 A candidate’s ballot paper name ............................................................................................ 5 Withdrawal of nomination ....................................................................................................... 5 Lodging the nomination .......................................................................................................... 6 Close of nominations ............................................................................................................... 6 Once a nomination has Been received ................................................................................... 6 Access to the election roll ....................................................................................................... 7 Nominations invalid due to change of name ......................................................................... 7 Announcement of candidates 8 The announcement .................................................................................................................. 8 Creation of election Ballot papers ........................................................................................... 8 Ballot paper draw ..................................................................................................................... 8 PuBlic announcement of the election details ......................................................................... 8 Other nomination matters 9 Refunding the nomination deposit ......................................................................................... 9 Death of a candidate at election ............................................................................................ 9 Holders of an office of profit under the Crown, State public servants & Government contractors ............................................................................................................................... 9 Voting at House of Assembly elections 10 Polling places ......................................................................................................................... 10 Assistance to certain electors .............................................................................................. 10 Types of early voting 11 Pre-poll voting ........................................................................................................................ 11 Interstate voting ..................................................................................................................... 11 MoBile voting .......................................................................................................................... 11 Postal voting ......................................................................................................................... 11 Return of postal votes ........................................................................................................... 12 Polling day 13 Hours of polling (8.00am – 6.00pm) .................................................................................... 13 Person not on the roll or already marked off roll ................................................................. 13 After close of the poll ............................................................................................................ 13 Campaigning restrictions on polling day and when voting is taking place ........................ 13 Scrutineers during voting 15 Role of the scrutineer ............................................................................................................ 15 Appointment of scrutineers .................................................................................................. 15 Close of the poll 16 Formal votes .......................................................................................................................... 16 Informal votes ........................................................................................................................ 16 End of the evening ................................................................................................................. 16 Post-election and scrutiny timetable 17 10 Day period for the return of postal votes ........................................................................ 17 Commencing 2nd Tuesday after polling day ....................................................................... 17 Disputing elections and returns 18 Application to dispute an election or return ......................................................................... 18 Determination of a disputed election application ................................................................ 18 Immaterial errors not to void election .................................................................................. 18 Candidate expenditure, and disclosure of donations By (Commonwealth) registered parties .................................................................................................................................... 18 TEC public awareness campaign 19 Campaign material 20 Campaign material to Be authorised .................................................................................... 20 Examples of suitable authorisations .................................................................................... 21 Authorisation not required on specific items ....................................................................... 21 Electoral matter on the internet ............................................................................................ 21 Campaign items ..................................................................................................................... 21 Restrictions within 100 metres of a polling place ............................................................... 22 Polling day restrictions on electoral matter ......................................................................... 22 Consent required to use candidate name, photograph or likeness .................................... 22 Misleading and deceptive electoral matter .......................................................................... 23 Justices of the Peace ............................................................................................................ 23 Placement of campaign material 24 Placement of posters and signs ..........................................................................................