section_path: Election timeline
section_name: Election timeline
paragraph_text: Election timeline
  
  The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has stated that in accordance with the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918, the key dates for this election were as follows:
  
  Schedule two of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 requires that from 12am on 1 May until 3 May when polls close at 6pm, the broadcasting of political statements on television is prohibited. This "blackout" period does not include advertising on social media, newspapers, text message or email communications, or streaming services.