Muslim Votes Matter (MVM) has released electorate-specific how-to-vote cards aimed at helping Muslim Australians make informed decisions in the upcoming federal election. The cards are designed to reflect local candidates and issues, and encourage values-based political engagement.
According to the organisation’s website, MVM “strives for a cohesive Australian society where the political engagement and voice of Australian Muslims strengthens national unity and promotes values-driven policy making.”
Visitors to the MVM website can enter their postcode, suburb, and street to view a suggested how-to-vote card for the House of Representatives (green ballot paper). A Senate voting guide (white ballot paper) is also available by scrolling down.
While preferences vary by electorate, many cards recommend placing the Greens as the first preference, with Labor and Liberal candidates ranked differently depending on local dynamics.
The strategy behind these preferences has drawn attention. On 24 April 2025, Rita Jabri Markwell, Legal Advisor to the Australian Muslim Advocacy Network (AMAN), shared her thoughts on Facebook regarding the card for the Queensland seat of Rankin.
There, the guide suggests placing Labor’s Jim Chalmers below the Liberal National Party (LNP).
“This is the only seat in QLD where this suggestion has been made,” Markwell wrote. “Chalmers is protected by a massive margin and by putting him beneath, we cut his two party preferred lead, making him insecure but not causing him to lose his seat.”
She further explained, “This course of action sends a warning and prepares for future elections where cross bench candidates will see that electorate as one to campaign in.”
The MVM website notes that the voting cards are designed “to deliver a minority Labor government,” based on “deep research of candidates & policy positions.” It also highlights that user data is not collected or stored.
The initiative is being widely shared online, with many Muslims encouraging others to use the tool.
Some see it as a significant moment in which Muslim Australians are engaging more strategically in the electoral process and shaping their collective political voice.
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