Australia has a proud history with the secret ballot. We invented the modern version back in the 1850s, and it quickly spread around the world because it cut down on bullying, bribery, and public pressure at the ballot box. Yet in many member organisations, strata schemes, unions, and associations, the question still comes up: should we stick with a show of hands or go for a proper secret ballot?

After years helping organisations run fair elections and AGMs, I’ve seen both systems in action. The choice isn’t always straightforward, but getting it right makes a big difference to trust and participation.

What Open Voting Actually Looks Like

Open voting typically means a show of hands, a voice vote, or some other method where everyone can see (or hear) how people are voting. It’s quick, visible, and often feels democratic in the moment.

In practice, you’ll see this at many small AGMs or committee meetings. The chair asks for those in favour to raise their hands, counts them, then does the same for those against. Simple.

But visibility comes with risks. In a room where the CEO, major funders, or influential committee members are present, some people hesitate to vote against the flow. I’ve sat in meetings where a quiet member later admitted they didn’t want to “make a fuss” by putting their hand up.

The Case for the Secret Ballot

A secret ballot keeps the voter’s choice private. No one — not the chair, not fellow members, not management — can link a specific vote back to a person.

This matters more than many realise. In strata schemes, for example, owners might support (or oppose) a big spending decision without worrying about neighbourly tension. In unions or professional associations, members can vote for board candidates based on merit rather than personal relationships or fear of repercussions.

Our federal and state elections rely on the secret ballot for good reason. It protects the integrity of the process. The same principle applies inside organisations.

When Rules Require (or Encourage) Secret Ballots

Requirements vary depending on your organisation type:

Always check your governing documents and relevant legislation. What works for a small sporting club might not suit a large national association.

Common Pitfalls I See

Best Practices for Fair Voting

From what I’ve observed across dozens of organisations:

Modern online platforms make secret ballots straightforward even for distributed memberships. Votes stay anonymous, participation rises, and results are verifiable without compromising privacy.

Where Professional Support Helps

Running a clean secret ballot process takes more than good intentions. Issues with voter eligibility, proxy handling, result reporting, or disputes can undermine the whole exercise.

That’s where specialist services like Vero Voting come in. They handle the technical side — secure anonymous voting, proper audit trails, compliance with your rules — so committees can focus on governance rather than logistics. Many organisations use them for complex AGMs, board elections, or member ballots where fairness and transparency are non-negotiable.

Key Takeaways

If you’re reviewing your voting procedures or planning an important election, consider what will give your members the greatest confidence in the outcome.

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