19/05/2022
The 2022 federal senate election could be over before it even begins. Questions have been raised with the AEC by voters regarding why some candidates appear completely blank on the senate ballot above the line, appearing only as a letter on the form. Many are stunned to learn that the AEC has allegedly been advising would-be voters to avoid numbering these squares as their vote would be invalid. Some voters report the AEC advising this is the result of candidates dropping out of the election, when in fact there are valid candidates in these ballot positions. There are multiple alleged phone recordings of these conversations with AEC staffers over the voting help line. To clarify, the reason there are no names above the line in these positions is these candidates have elected to stand as 'grouped independents'. As they are not a party nor a secular independent their details are listed below the line. While not a new AEC process, this has created substantial voter confusion. What can't be overlooked however is this apparently false information being given out by AEC employees, that given the sheer number of pre-poll and postal votes, could realistically change the outcome of the senate election.
If challenged, it is highly possible the High Court could rule the senate election result invalid, and order a new ballot.
How did this happen and why is the mainstream media and the AEC silent on the issue?
The AEC has been contacted for comment.
