Voters have been cautioned against wearing Yes- and No-branded clothing into polling places during the Voice to parliament referendum.
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) said there’s a risk of people falling foul of the law if they bring what could be considered campaign material into a voting centre.
“The rules surrounding what people can or cannot wear into a polling place in a referendum are the same as for elections,” it said.
“Campaigning is not allowed inside the polling place or within six metres of the entrance.
“If a voter wears a pin, shirt or hat with a campaign slogan into the polling place, casts their vote and leaves then it may not be considered as campaigning.
“However, when inside a polling venue a problem could arise if a voter is seen talking about the material or gesturing towards it.”
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The AEC has encouraged people to avoid any potential issues by wearing neutral clothing while voting.
“AEC advice is to simply avoid any potential issue by not wearing campaign material into a polling place, or to at least bring along a piece of clothing that allows a voter to cover up,” it said.
“The AEC understands that passions are often high around referendum events, and people want to proudly display their voting intentions – either way – when coming to vote.
“Please don’t fall foul of the law. Simply wear or display campaign material outside the polling place instead.”
It said its temporary workforce of 100,000 staff will take a “commonsense” approach to ensuring laws are followed on referendum day.
