Scrutineers play an important role in maintaining the integrity and transparency of the democratic process. It is a formal position, appointed by candidates to represent them at the places where voting or counting take place.
Scrutineers may observe the issuing, sorting, checking and counting of ballot material. They may bring to the attention of an election official any matter they believe may not comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2004 (for parliamentary elections) or the Local Government Act 1993 (for local government elections).
A scrutineer is allowed to raise concerns with an election official, who will consider their request and take any action they deem appropriate.
Scrutineers are appointed by candidates, who will provide the approved appointment form and explain scrutineer’s role and responsibilities. Before starting their duties, scrutineers must sign the declaration on the form and present it to an election official.
Where am I allowed?
You may attend places where voting or counting take place. This includes early voting centres, polling places, and mobile polling teams.
What am I not allowed to do?
Before you commence your functions as a scrutineer, you must declare that you will:
What happens when I arrive?
You must provide a completed appointment form, signed by both you and the candidate, to an election official before commencing your duties.
You will receive a briefing to ensure you understand your responsibilities and the actions you must avoid.
What will happen if I'm late?
Electoral procedures commence on time, regardless of whether scrutineers are present. If you arrive late, you will join the process at the stage it has reached upon your arrival.
Can I scrutinise for any candidate?
No. You may only scrutinise for the candidate who appointed you. You cannot observe counts for other candidates or divisions, even if they are taking place in the same venue.
Can I leave the polling place and return?
Scrutineers may enter or leave the polling place at any time, before or after 6 pm. If you leave the polling place, another scrutineer may replace you during your absence. If the polling place is within a locked building, it is the scrutineer's responsibility to ensure they can re-enter, not the responsibility of polling staff.
At the TEC, we liaise directly with candidates. We provide them with all the necessary information, including polling place addresses, schedules and itineraries. If you require further details about your role as a scrutineer, please contact your candidate directly.
Once a candidate has accepted their nomination, they will receive an Advice to Candidates email and letter containing all relevant information. This will include the Appointment of Scrutineer form. Candidates are entitled to appoint scrutineers for each polling place, pre-poll location, scrutiny centre and mobile team.
How many scrutineers do I need?
You may appoint one or more scrutineers for any polling place and mobile polling team, or any other place where ballot material is sorted, checked, or counted. The number of scrutineers for each candidate is limited by the Electoral Act 2004 (for parliamentary elections) or the Local Government Act 1993 (for local government elections).
Where do I send my scrutineer?
You will receive a list of polling places and mobile team itineraries. It is up to you where and when you want to deploy your scrutineers.
I am a candidate. Can I also be a scrutineer?
No, you can’t act as a scrutineer in an election in which you are a candidate.