Independent review finds Victoria's postal voting system robust
Independent researchers found Victorian postal voting to be safe and secure. However, some vulnerabilities remain.
For the first time, independent scholars could watch how Victoria's Electoral Commission runs elections. Between August 2024 and March 2025, researcher Katharina Kretschmer worked as a temporary staff member, watching every ballot and checking security at each stage.
The VEC's postal voting system was found to be safe and secure. Procedures for handling, counting and protecting ballots are highly structured and thorough.
However, vulnerabilities exist. The commission found suspicious multiple returns in two wards during the 2024 local elections.
There were 128 in Lalor and 61 in Baird. The VEC identified these by checking returned declaration envelopes against voter records before ballots were opened.
The Lalor result was voided because the margin was too close. But Baird held.
Two risks remain. Voters cannot track whether the commission is still processing or has mailed their replacement ballot.
The commission also relies on casual staff with varying experience.
- August 2024 to March 2025
- Study period
- 128
- Suspicious returns in Lalor
- 61
- Suspicious returns in Baird
- November 28
- Victoria state election date
Why it mattersVictoria's state election is November 28. Voters choosing postal ballots can know the system has been independently checked and found secure, even though some gaps remain.
AustraliaAll Victorian local elections have been entirely postal since the COVID pandemic. The finding directly concerns the security of a voting method now used by thousands of Victorians in the election coming this month.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
