The upcoming federal election will see two preferential votes to decide Australia’s next Senate and House of Representatives. 

The Australian Electoral Commission is reminding voters to keep some points in mind to ensure they make their vote count.

Ballot papers that don’t follow the rules create an informal vote, which means they can’t be counted.

AEC spokesperson Evan Ekin-Smyth told Sofie Formica it’s a common misconception that parties direct preferences.

“They can suggest where you preference, where you number your paper but you don’t have to take a how-to-vote card if you don’t want to,” he said.

“All you’ve got to think about is who you most want to see in parliament and who you least want to see in parliament and number your ballot paper that way.”

Press PLAY below to hear all the advice to make your vote count 

Image: Getty