The Fund is open to applications when there is a general election or a by-election. It is not available for local body elections.
Applications for the 2026 General Election
The Election Access Fund is now open for candidates seeking funding for selection activities for the 2026 General Election.
If you are seeking selection to be a candidate for a registered political party:
- you can apply to the Fund
- you can apply for costs relating to what you need to do to seek party selection as a list and/or electorate candidate.
Selection funding is available until the deadline for the nomination of candidates which is known as nomination day.
If you are seeking election as a candidate for a political party or standing as an independent candidate:
- you can apply for campaign costs relating to being a candidate and seeking election to parliament
- you can do this at the same time as applying for selection costs or discuss this with us after you have publicly announced that you are standing
- payment for election funding will be available in the last 12 months of the current parliamentary term
- it does not matter if the party has not formally selected you as a candidate yet
- it does not matter if your party is registered with the Electoral Commission or not.