'How to vote' cards from Australia's first federal election in 1901. Image: National Library Australia
Our election collection tells the story of our nation.
The National Library of Australia is calling on Australians from far and wide to help collect campaign material produced in the 2022 federal election.
Collecting political ephemera is a part of the National Library's role to collect, preserve and share the history of Australia.
National Library curator Bronwyn Ryan said the Library's election ephemera collection covers every Australian federal election since Federation in 1901.
'Thanks to donations from people living in every electorate in Australia, we've built the largest collection of political memorabilia in Australia,' Ms Ryan said.
'Our collection has evolved over time from purely print related material to include digital material. We've got everything from how-to-vote cards and posters, to badges and t-shirts. Now an important part of our collection is election related websites and webpages.'
This political ephemera provides a unique perspective into Australia's social life and political landscape—the rise and fall of policies, issues, parties and careers.
You can help the National Library collect the stories from your community by donating your local election material.
Photos are available to download via Dropbox.
Contact
Georgia McDonald
Media Liaison, National Library of Australia
M: 0401 226 697
E: media@nla.gov.au
