Understanding how the Australian Capital Territory’s (ACT) Parliament operates and how to vote in its elections is crucial for making your vote count.
In the ACT, you participate in the democratic process by electing representatives to the parliament every four years. These representatives are tasked with reviewing and creating laws on your behalf.
Typically, candidates belong to political parties, although some may run independently. A political party can form the ACT Government if the majority of its candidates are elected in the Legislative Assembly. The largest party unable to form the government becomes the Opposition. Alternatively, a coalition of parties and candidates without a majority can form the government.
Elected representatives are known as Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA). MLAs represent specific districts or electorates in the Legislative Assembly.
The ACT Parliament comprises a single house:
The Legislative Assembly, consisting of 25 members, where laws are made, and the territory budget is passed. The Chief Minister, the head of the government, is elected in this house.
Voting for candidates in the Legislative Assembly is essential because they play crucial roles in government decision-making. The Legislative Assembly must agree before new laws can be enacted.
For further details, visit the ACT Parliament website.
