Victoria Abolishes Group Voting Tickets: Microparty MPs Face 2026

Victoria has abolished group voting tickets, a landmark electoral reform that will force microparty MPs like Georgie Purcell to face a tough re-election battle in the 2026 state election. The change, passed by the legislative council on Tuesday night, ends the state's unique above-the-line preference system, which critics say allowed backroom deals to elect candidates with as little as 1% of the primary vote.

What Changed and Why It Matters

The electoral amendment (miscellaneous matters) bill 2026 passed 33 votes to four, eliminating group voting tickets (GVTs) for the November state election. Under the old system, voters could choose just one party above the line, and their preferences were allocated by the party if that party was eliminated during counting. Now, voters must number at least five parties above the line in order of preference, giving them direct control over where their vote flows.

This reform aligns Victoria with the rest of Australia, where GVTs have already been abolished in federal and most state upper houses. Election analyst Antony Green called it a move that "rewards parties that get votes over parties who, in the past, have been elected by clever preference deals."

Impact on Microparty MPs

The four MPs who opposed the bill—Georgie Purcell (Animal Justice), Rachel Payne (Legalise Cannabis), David Limbrick (Libertarian), and Jeff Bourman (Shooters, Fishers and Farmers)—are all from microparties that historically benefited from GVTs. Electoral analyst Ben Raue of the Tally Room said these MPs will "have a lot of trouble getting someone elected with this new system."

Over the last decade, about 20 candidates were elected with under 6% of the vote, some as low as 1%, defeating candidates with far more primary votes due to preference deals. Under the new system, such outcomes become nearly impossible because voters control their own preferences.

Comparison: Old vs. New Voting System

Key Takeaways for Voters and Candidates

• Voters must now rank at least five parties above the line—no more single-party voting.
• Microparty MPs like Georgie Purcell face an uphill battle to retain their seats.
• The reform eliminates backroom preference deals that distorted democratic outcomes.
• This change brings Victoria in line with other Australian states and the federal Senate.

Reactions and Future Implications

Supporters of the reform, including electoral experts and major parties, argue it strengthens democracy by making every vote count more directly. Antony Green noted that the new system makes it "impossible" for candidates with tiny primary votes to win through preference deals alone.

Opponents, particularly the four microparty MPs, claim the change will reduce diversity in parliament. However, with the bill now law, all parties must adapt their campaign strategies for the November election.

FAQ

For more updates on Australian electoral reform, stay tuned to GrandGoldman.com.

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