A vote cast in an election or a referendum that has been marked according to the rules for that election. A vote not marked correctly is an informal vote.

A Member of Parliament who is not part of the cabinet or shadow cabinet and sits towards the back of the chamber in the Senate and House of Representatives.

A method of secret voting, usually in written form. Ballot papers, which show the name of the candidates standing for election, are put into ballot boxes, which are a sealed container that can only be opened by officials once voting is complete.

Government with two houses of Parliament. In Australia, these are the Senate and the House of Representatives.

These are held when the Member of Parliament who represents that electorate retires or dies, or can no longer hold office. They occur before the MP's elected term is complete.

Key ministers or shadow ministers who occupy important portfolios and advise and consult the party leader. They are sometimes called the frontbench, as they sit in on either side of the aisle in a Parliament. This area is reserved for ministers and leaders of the principal political parties. Candidate: A person who stands for election to Parliament [..]

See free vote.

A citizen residing in a particular MP's area, state or district.

The set of basic rules by which a country or state is governed. In Australia's case it is a document written in the 1890s which sets out the structure of Australian federal politics. The Constitution can only be amended through a constitutional referendum. In Australia at a referendum the proposed alteration must be approved by a 'double [..]

An MP crossing the floor of Parliament to vote with his or her opposition. This is an act rarely forgiven in Australia due to our strong party system. Distribution of preferences: The process used to determine the winning candidate when no candidate wins an absolute majority of first preference votes. Division: Geographical areas containing approxi [..]