Australian Electoral Commission Reports 2,200 Election Complaints, 550 for Voter Intimidation

Australians reported aggressive behaviour, excessive signage, and online misinformation as the most stressful parts of voting in the 2025 election.

People drop their vote into the voting box at Kew Primary School in Melbourne, Australia on May 3, 2025. Morgan Hancock/Getty Images

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has reported a sharp rise in voter intimidation, aggressive campaigning, and online misinformation during the 2025 federal election.

Appearing before the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters, AEC Commissioner Jeff Pope said the commission received 2,200 complaints, with around 550 relating to harassment or intimidation—most from pre-polling centres in Sydney and Melbourne.