Resource
Where Does the Vote Go?
Trace six fictional ballots to their next available preference after exclusions.
Preview the student activity

Download printer-friendly student PDFCheck the preview, printing notes and licence before use.
What children do
Trace six fictional ballots to their next available preference after exclusions.
Download
- Colour student PDF — 2 A4 pages.
- Printer-friendly student PDF — black outlines and white backgrounds.
- Separate answers and educator notes.
Age and preparation
Years 4–6 / ages 9–12. Allow around 25 minutes. A4 paper, pencils and optional colouring tools. Print at actual size.
Use the activity
Read the short instructions together. Model one example, then let children work alone or with a partner. Keep answers separate until they are ready to check.
Accept spoken answers, pointing or a partner scribe when writing is a barrier. For a challenge, ask learners to explain the clue behind an answer. Colour never determines a factual answer.
Scope and accuracy
These activities use fictional choices and simplified House-style preferences, not a Senate count. Electoral material is flagged for review before the next use after a rule change or federal election. Follow current AEC instructions in a real election.
Factual sources
Reviewed on 2 October 2026 against official Australian sources. Electoral review due: 2027-04-02, or sooner after a rule change. Original wording and illustrations are used; official artwork and ballot designs are not reproduced.
