Democracy First

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Candidates Hub

This is a central hub for Democracy First candidates, providing essential resources alongside insights into the identity and values that shape our movement. From practical guides to campaign tools, this hub is designed to equip candidates with the knowledge and skills needed to run a successful national campaign while staying connected to the principles that define us.

Challenging the Two-Party System

We are united by our commitment to fairness, sustainability, and independent leadership.

Empower Everyday Australians

We are not career politicians; We are people who truly understand the challenges our communities face because we have live them every day.

Our Identity & Values

Insights into the identity and values that shape our movement.

What's behind our name

Democracy First

Its our "core mission" to prioritise democratic values above all else.

Its a call to action, asking people to put the principles of democracy at the front of everything we do in terms of governance and decision making.

Along our journey,  name began evolving through the want to avoid any ideological terms and to appeal to people across the spectrum.

Logo

Our Logo is minimalistic, the outline symbolising unity and connectiveness. With the additional single line to represent how we see governance - simplistic and streamlined, showing our commitment to stability, trust, and a calm approach to reform. The use of Yellow - Optimism, hope, and a vision for a brighter future.

What Do We

Stand for?

Values

Democracy First is built on a foundation of integrity, transparency, and community-driven leadership. We believe in: Empowering citizens to have a direct voice in shaping their future; Promoting policies that prioritize equality, sustainability, and fairness; Building trust through honesty and accountability in governance.

Mission

To transform politics by putting democracy back into the hands of the people. We aim to inspire a new wave of leaders who champion collaborative decision-making and prioritize the needs of their communities above all else.

Vision

A future where government is accessible, transparent, and reflective of the diverse voices within our nation. Democracy First envisions a system where all individuals feel empowered to participate and influence decisions that shape their lives.

The Basics

Getting Started

This section is your starting point, covering the fundamental knowledge and tools every federal candidate needs. From understanding the election process to building your campaign foundation, this is where your journey begins.

Candidates Handbook

To run a successful federal campaign, it’s vital to understand the election rules. The AEC’s candidate handbook covers everything you need, from nominations to financial disclosures, helping you stay on track and avoid mistakes.

Review

When Is an Election

The election is officially underway once the writ is issued, marking the formal call for candidates to nominate and campaigns to begin. Understand what a writ is and how it influences the election period.

Learn More

How to Nominate

You’re officially a candidate once you’ve completed the nomination process, submitted the required forms, and met all the necessary deadlines. But before you get there, it’s important to understand which level of government to run for, confirm your eligibility, and familiarise yourself with the nomination requirements.

Learn More

Preparing your

Campaign

This section covers the essential steps to get your campaign up and running. From setting up your team and planning your strategy to understanding key deadlines and compliance requirements, this is where you lay the groundwork for a strong and effective campaign.

Input timeline

Authorisations

Authorisation is the legal requirement for all electoral communications to clearly state who is responsible for the material. It ensures transparency and accountability in political messaging. All printed, digital, broadcast, and spoken campaign materials must include an authorisation statement with the name and address of the person or organisation approving the content. .

Your Campaign Team

A strong campaign team is essential for running an effective election campaign. From campaign managers to volunteers, having the right people in the right roles will help you stay organised, reach voters, and manage the demands of the campaign trail.

Funding

Election funding is an important aspect of your campaign. The AEC has specific guidelines on how to handle donations, election expenditure, and financial disclosures to ensure transparency and compliance throughout your campaign.