Changes to voting for Upper House

With the Victorian state election in November, the government has announced an important change to the voting system for the Upper House.

Previously, parties could direct how preferences flow through group voting tickets.

This system meant candidates could win Upper House seats through deals made between parties and candidates, rather than direct voter support.

The Electoral Amendment Bill introduced into the parliament last week will abolish group voting tickets.

"This will end 'preference whispering', where parties strike complex preference deals that can see candidates elected with only a small share of the primary vote," the government said.

A new above-the-line voting system will require voters to number at least five groups in order of preference.

Those preferences will then flow to candidates in the order they appear below the line for each party or group.

"This will put voters in control of their preferences making our elections fairer and more transparent."

This change brings Victorian in line with other states, and the federal election system.

The new reform will also require the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) to publish information about new political parties - because a party name does not always tell voters who is behind it, or where their preferences flow.

"The information will be publicly available so Victorians can make more informed decisions," the government stated.

Anyone who is not already enrolled to vote has until November 3 to enrol. You can also check your enrolment details at the VEC website.

Details of the upcoming election are available at: www.vec.vic.gov.au/
You can also follow the VEC on Facebook.