What to “flag for researcher review”

Some content may violate Australian laws, and it is our ethical duty to report such content. If in doubt, flag it. Flagged content will be reviewed by the research team and passed on to relevant authorities (such as the Australian Electoral Commission) where appropriate.

Flagging for researcher review is simple – just select “Flag for researcher review” when submitting or assessing content using the App.

Content that needs to be flagged:

  • Misleading election content: This covers any post, message, or material that could confuse people about how, where, or when to vote. It can include faked or altered official communications, impersonating election authorities, or giving false instructions that invalidate someone’s vote.
  • Threats or calls for violence: Content that threatens harm or encourages violent acts towards individuals, groups, or organizations (especially in an election context) should also be flagged.

Examples of claims that should be flagged:

  1. False claims about candidates: Any false statements regarding the personal character or conduct of a candidate.
  2. Voting machine claims: Claims that voting machines are being used in Queensland elections (they are not).
  3. Ballot modification claims: Claims that ballots can be altered after they have been cast. For example, that pencils are used so that marks can be erased or changed after the ballot is cast.
  4. Electoral process misinformation: False claims about vote counting, voter registration, early voting requirements, or any aspect of the electoral process.
  5. Electoral Commission bias: Claims that the Queensland Electoral Commission is politically aligned or biased.
  6. Voter ID requirements: False claims about needing a voter registration card or other forms of ID to vote.
  7. Postal voting: claims that postal voting is not secret or secure
  8. Election worker identification: Any content, including images, that could result in the personal identification of election workers.
  9. Voting location misinformation: False claims suggesting voters can only vote in their local voting center.
  10. Election worker vaccination claims: Claims that election workers are required to be vaccinated to perform their duties.
  11. Other misleading claims: Any claims that could confuse or mislead voters about key aspects of the election, such as the locations of voting centers, election dates, or requirements to vote.

Please note that the types of information and behavior flagged for possible immediate action may be updated throughout the project’s monitoring period. Volunteers will be informed promptly of any such updates.