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Referrals to the Police

Dec 16, 2020 | News

The Electoral Commission has referred eight matters relating to the General Election and referendums to the Police.

Five are apparent breaches of the election day rules:

  • the delivery of three different community newspapers that contained an election advertisement
  • an email sent to voters
  • an election sign on display.

It is an offence under section 197 of the Electoral Act 1993 for a person to interfere with, or influence voters on election day.

One matter relates to a false statement on a special vote declaration, contrary to regulation 68 of the Electoral Regulations 1996.

Two matters relate to a failure to include a promoter statement on referendum advertising, contrary to sections 52 and 75 of the Referendums Framework Act 2019.

As these matters are now with the Police, the Electoral Commission will not be commenting further.

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