Victorian State Election day survival guide

THERE’S been a rock ‘n’ roll party, a big red bus and a polarising road link, and now the day that Victoria decides has arrived. Here’s what you need to know to vote.

Napthine vs Andrews Election Debate

ALONG the campaign trail there’s been a rock ‘n’ roll political party, a big red bus and a polarising road link, and now the day Victoria decides has finally arrived.

Will it be Dan or Denis? Will it be Labor, Liberal or another party that gets your support?

If you are still undecided, check out our candidate profile database below. We asked candidates in all electorates questions without notice and some of their answers were surprising, to say the least.

Here’s what you need to know to cast your vote today.

Voting centres are open from 8am to 6pm, but anyone at the polling booth by 6pm who hasn’t voted yet will still have the chance.

For those looking for a ballot bite, the SnagVotes website has compiled a handy map of booths offering sausage sizzles, cake stalls and the odd trash ‘n’ treasure.

27 Aug 2000 Generic cooking Sausages and Corn on cob on Barbecue plate / grill - tongs food meat gastronomy sausage

Tech-savvy voters can track results in their electorate through a Victorian Electoral Commission mobile phone app.

Vote Victoria, which is free at iTunes and Google Play, allows users to personalise the information they receive, with links to their local candidates, the nearest voting centre, and electorate results updated in real time after the polls close.

For more comprehensive results you can visit the VEC website after 6pm.

Premier Denis Napthine will be voting in Port Fairy in his electorate South West Coast, while aspiring Premier Daniel Andrews is set to cast his ballot at Albany Rise Primary School in his Mulgrave electorate.

Here’s hoping they remember to number their preferences properly.

More than 165,000 Victorians’ votes weren’t counted in the 2010 State Election as they failed to complete their Lower House ballot paper correctly.

Remember, voting is compulsory for Australian citizens aged 18 and older.

Non-voters will receive an apparent failure to vote notice.

You face a $74 fine if you don’t provide a satisfactory excuse for failing to vote.

For more Leader election coverage, visit leaderelection14.com.au

AT THE VOTING CENTRE

Voters will be given two ballot papers. The small one is for the Legislative Assembly (Lower House) and you must number every box, in order of your choice.

The large ballot paper is for the Legislative Council (Upper House). You can vote above or below the line. If you choose to vote above the line, you must only place a 1 in the box for the party or group you want to support. By voting above the line, your ballot paper will be counted according to the preferences on the party’s registered voting ticket. If you choose to vote below the line, you must place 1 to at least 5 in the boxes in the order of your choice.

If you make a mistake on your ballot paper you should return it to an election official who will provide you with a new ballot paper.

Details: vec.vic.gov.au