Raising awareness of misleading election information

The Australian Electoral Commission encourages voters to think critically about the information they hear, see and read during an election. As information channels change and generative AI becomes more prevalent, the AEC plays a key role in supporting Australians to navigate the complex information environment.

The AEC conducted research in 2024 to guide its communication, education and engagement approach for the 2025 federal election. The research gathered feedback from Australians of all ages, locations and backgrounds to consider the needs of diverse voter groups.

Research identified opportunities to improve the effectiveness of the AEC’s approach. It highlighted that many people do not fully understand the terms ‘misinformation’ and ‘disinformation’. It also highlighted that everyone is susceptible and can be misled, and that healthy scepticism and vigilance are important.

The research helped inform revisions to the AEC’s Stop and Consider campaign for the 2025 federal election. This included:

• expanding and promoting the Stop and Consider campaign
• translating an updated fact sheet into 34 languages
• focusing on digital literacy, including an online module and digital literacy videos, to enhance public understanding
• explaining the different forms of influence voters may experience in an election.
   

AEC staff registering voters at polling booths on Election Day.
Image: Australian Electoral Commission

Working together

Alongside this research, the AEC considered feedback from more than 100 community groups and 2,300 eligible voters to inform its education and engagement approach. Community groups included multicultural organisations, First Nations groups, homelessness services, and the disability sector.

Home Affairs and Attorney-General’s also contributed their knowledge and experience to this project.

Benefits for the community

The AEC’s education and engagement campaign provided accessible, targeted resources for voters across Australia. Revised Stop and Consider materials encouraged voters to think critically about electoral information.

Australia’s electoral system is one of the most trusted in the world, and the Stop and Consider campaign helps safeguard it. Informed voter choices contribute to the integrity of the electoral system. By encouraging voters to stop and consider the information they receive, the campaign mitigates the spread of false or misleading content that could impact voters’ participation in Australia’s democracy, and undermine public confidence in the election process.

Find out more

Australian Electoral Commission (2025) Stop and Consider, AEC website, accessed 6 August 2025.

Australian Electoral Commission (2025) Community Education, AEC website, accessed 6 August 2025.

Australian Electoral Commission (2025) Influence in Australian elections, AEC website, accessed 7 August 2025.