Changes to the Electoral Act
From 1 July 2024, legislative changes came into effect regarding the distribution and publication of how-to-vote cards (HTVC). HTVC are now required to be registered with WAEC in order to be published and distributed at a place to vote.
What is a how-to-vote card
A HTVC is any document that is given to an elector to instruct them regarding how to complete a ballot paper to vote for a particular candidate, candidates, or a group in an election. A HTVC may be in the form of a physical card, pamphlet, handbill or other similar document including digital equivalents.
How-to-vote card Registration
A HTVC can be registered during the registration period for an election. Application for registration can be made by any person, party or group and must be approved by the Electoral Commissioner. Unless a HTVC has been approved and registered by the Commissioner penalties will apply for its publication or distribution, whether in a physical or digital format. The person responsible for the distribution and publication of the HTVC (the accountable person) must be available to respond to notices from the Commission in relation to its ongoing registration throughout the election period.
For the 2025 State general election, the registration period opens at 8am Friday, 14 February 2025 and closes at 5pm Thursday, 27 February 2025.
How-to-vote card Registration Guide
This guide has been created to assist electoral participants in understanding the HTVC registration process.
How-to-vote card Registration Guide (PDF, 522 KB)