How to Vote

Know exactly how to put us first.

Pick your election, house and electorate to see our recommended how-to-vote card — laid out like the real ballot. Print it, save it, or build your own order.

How-to-vote cards will appear here once an election is switched on in the admin console.

The basics

How each ballot works

Four ballots, four simple rules. NSW state: a “1” is enough in the Assembly, and one “1” above the line (or 15+ below) in the Council. Federal: number every box for the House, and at least 6 above the line (or 12 below) for the Senate.

  1. New South Wales · Lower house

    Legislative Assembly

    NSW’s lower house — one member per district. Optional preferential: a “1” alone is formal, and every extra number keeps your vote working.

  2. New South Wales · Upper house

    Legislative Council

    NSW’s upper house — one state-wide electorate, 21 seats each election. A “1” above the line is enough, or number at least 15 below.

  3. Federal · Lower house

    House of Representatives

    Federal lower house — one member per division. Number every box, 1 up to the number of candidates.

  4. Federal · Upper house

    Senate

    Federal upper house — state-wide. Number at least 6 above the line, or 12 below.