In accordance with section 13 of the Constitution, the Senate resolved that in each State the three senators who received the most votes would sit for a six-year term, finishing on 31 December 1906 while the other half would sit for a three-year term, finishing on 31 December 1903. The process for filing of casual vacancies was complex, with an initial appointment followed by an election. The status of political parties varied, being national, State based, and informal.
According to section 13 of the Constitution, the Senate determined that in each state, the three senators with the most votes would serve a six-year term ending on December 31, 1906. The other half would serve a three-year term ending on December 31, 1903. Vacancies were filled through a complex process of first appointment and then election. Political party affiliations ranged from national to state-based and informal.