While the calling of an election is partly a matter of political judgement and timing, a constitutional and legislative framework governs the electoral timetables and processes. Rob Lundie outlines the factors governing the dates of the next elections in each state and federally.

Following an ACT Electoral Commission recommendation to the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government, the territory's Electoral Act was amended in December 2000 to permit electronic voting and counting for ACT Legislative Assembly elections. Phillip Green, the Australian Capital Territory Electoral Commissioner, reflects on the ACT's experience with electronic voting.