Police investigating after two people claim they voted 'multiple times'

Two people have been referred to police by the Electoral Commission after they claimed on social media to have voted “multiple times”.

Detective Senior Sergeant Andrew Compton told the Herald police were investigating.

“We are making inquiries into this matter; however, it is important to note that at this stage the individuals’ claims have not been verified as accurate,” Compton said.

Police confirmed the claims were made on social media, and did not provide further details of the alleged offence.

Voting for the 2026 general election opened on Monday, with 175,748 votes cast in the first two days, according to the Electoral Commission.

“It is an offence under section 215 of the Electoral Act 1993 to vote more than once,” the commission said.

Voting for the 2026 general election opened on Monday. Photo / Getty Images

It said it would not be commenting further on the alleged offence as the matter was with police.

In the 2023 general election, the commission referred 55 people to police for allegedly voting more than once.

It said the 2023 figure was similar to previous elections, with 48 people referred to police in 2020, 37 in 2017, 126 in 2014 and 63 in 2011.