How to register a political party for ACT Legislative Assembly elections

Updated 19 Dec 2023

Elections ACT has produced a factsheet on how to register a political party which is intended to summarise the electoral law relating to the registration of political parties in the ACT.

Summary

A political party is an organisation which has, as an object or activity, the promotion of the election to the Assembly of a candidate or candidates that it has endorsed. A full definition of a party, including requirements of a party name, can be found in the Electoral Act 1992, and the How to register a political party - factsheet.

Party registration ensures that the party's nominations for the ACT Legislative Assembly can be lodged in a block, that the party name or abbreviation can be printed on the ballot paper at election time and that candidates can appear under the party name in a dedicated column.

Each registered party is responsible for submitting annual and election returns outlining the party's expenditure, receipts and debts.

To register as a party, a completed application form, available from the Commission, must be lodged with the Commission, and must be accompanied by party membership details and a copy of the party's constitution. The Commission has set requirements for a party's constitution, details of which are in the How to register a political party - factsheet.

An application for party registration, or an application to change the name or abbreviation of an already registered party or name/address of the registered officer, may be made at any time. However, to take effect at an election, an application must be made before 1 July in an election year.

More details can be obtained by viewing the How to register a political party - factsheet, or contact Elections ACT for a printed version or if you require more information.