The Electoral (Local Government Elections) Regulations 2025 establish strict offenses aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the voting process. Highlighting several serious offenses, the regulations address bribery, undue influence, impersonation, and ballot interference, categorizing them as significant threats to fair elections.
Bribery is classified as a Category A offense, criminalizing both those who seek to influence votes or political support by offering benefits and those who accept such incentives. However, the regulations do provide an exception for legitimate public policy declarations or commitments to public action, distinguishing between coercive acts and legitimate political discourse.
Similarly, undue influence is designated as a Category A offense, encompassing any actions that impede an individual’s free exercise of their political rights during elections. This provision addresses various forms of intimidation or coercion, even in the absence of financial transactions.
Impersonation at elections also falls under Category A offenses, explicitly forbidding the act of voting in another person’s name, which includes deceased or fictitious individuals. Additionally, it is illegal to impersonate election officials.
The regulations impose severe penalties for ballot-related offenses. Only voters are permitted to mark their own ballot papers, and any deviation from this rule constitutes a Category A offense. Furthermore, distributing materials that encourage voters to violate the regulations—whether through written instructions, gestures, or spoken prompts—is strictly prohibited.
Interfering with ballot boxes is categorized as another serious offense, with actions such as inserting unauthorized papers, removing ballots from polling stations, or tampering with ballot boxes considered as a Category A violation. However, a voter who inadvertently inserts an extra paper may be eligible for a lesser Category B outcome, indicating some consideration for genuine errors.
These regulations reflect a strong commitment to maintaining fair electoral processes, ensuring that everyone involved in elections adheres to strict standards of integrity. By clearly defining and penalizing these offenses, the 2025 regulations offer robust protections for the democratic process.